5 marks from 1897

The five-mark note was issued on 19 March 1898. The banknote depicts a bust of the Patria statue from the monument of Alexander II, designed by Walter Runeberg. The whole sculpture depicts the goddess of justice with the Lion of Finland beside her. In her hands, the goddess has a sword and a shield with the word LEX. The sculpture is also known as the Lex statue. The statue of Alexander II was of great importance as a political symbol. At the end of the period of autonomy, it was interpreted as reflecting the constitutional struggle, and the goddess of justice was seen as the Maiden of Finland.