Helsinki Olympics Savings Bond (Olympics never happened due to WWII) - 1938

Beautifully engraved certificate from the Suomen Valtion Finska Statens issued in 1938. This historic document has an ornate border around it with a vignette of a Olympian throwing a javeline and men running. This item has the printed signatures of the Administrators and is over 71 years old.

This Saving Bond for 200 Finnish Marks was sold to raise funds to the Summer Olympic Games that were to be held in Helsinki, Finland in the summer of 1940. These games were canceled due to the advent of World War II, making this an excellent piece of Olympic history. Approx. 7 ½ x 10 inches. - in very fine condition. This is the first time we have had this for sale.


Certificate Vignette




Certificate Vignette



XIIth Olympics - 1940, Helsinki

The 1940 Games had been originally scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan. The attacks by Japan on China, cancelled those plans and preparations were rapidly made to hold them in Helsinki as an alternative Country. When the Soviet Union attacked Finland, that also became impossible, and the Games were cancelled entirely. Helsinki, however, had already constructed a magnificent new stadium, so were ready when another opportunity arose.

XVth Olympics - 1952, Helsinki

The Helsinki Olympics are fondly remembered as one of the most 'intimate' of the Games - Helsinki was the smallest city ever to host the Games, and the athletes received an extremely warm welcome. The Olympic flame at Helsinki was lit by one of the most famous of Finnish athletes, Paavo Nurmi. At Helsinki, another record number of athletes attended - 4,925, from 69 countries.