Finland Alexander II 10 Pennia 1865 EF+ (Patine)

Exceptional rare high grade copper coin struck within a set from 1865 to 1867. To note a minor 'nick' on the obverse edge rim. The obverse minted with the monogram of the Russia Emperor Alexander II, ruled from 1855 to 1881. The reverse, engraved with a wreath with Pennia (Finland currency) on the center with the value (10) above and below the date (1865). The Finns who probably originated in the Volga region of Russia, took Finland from the Lapps late in the 7th. century. They were conquered in the 12th century by Eric IX of Sweden, and brought into contact with Western Christendom, in 1809. Sweden was conquered by Alexander I of Russia, and the peace terms gave Finland to Russia which became a grand duchy within the Russian Empire until Dec. 6th, 1917, when shortly after the Bolshevik revolution it declared its Independence. After a brief but bitter civil war between the Russian sympathizers and Finnish nationalists in which the Whites (nationalists) were victorious, a new Constitution was adopted, and on Dec 6th, 1917, Finland was established as a Republic. In 1939 Soviet troops invaded Finland over disputed territorial concessions which were later granted in the peace treaty of 1940. When the Germans invaded Russia, Finland became involved and the Armistice of 1944 lost the Petsamo area to the Soviets.