1809 – The Birth of a Nation
200 Years of Finnish Autonomy (Gold Folio Edition)
Date of Issue : January 22, 2009
Special Technique : The stamps feature Gold Folio printing (visible in the ornate uniform details and borders), giving them a metallic, reflective quality.
The Portraits (from left to right)
The figures depicted are the key architects of this new Finnish autonomy :
- Tsar Alexander I of Russia : The Russian Emperor who granted Finland its autonomous status and promised to maintain its laws and religion.
- Georg Magnus Sprengtporten : A Finnish-born military officer and politician who became the first Governor-General of the Grand Duchy of Finland.
- Carl Erik Mannerheim : A statesman who played a major role in the Diet of Porvoo (and the great-grandfather of the famous Marshal Mannerheim).
- Gustaf Mauritz Armfelt : A highly influential diplomat and advisor to Alexander I, who was instrumental in the “Old Finland” restoration.