Eino Leino (1878–1926) was a Finnish poet and journalist who is considered one of the pioneers of Finnish poetry. Combining modern and Finnish folk elements, Leino's style is very much like the Kalevala and folk songs, exploring elements of nature, love, and despair. He is much beloved and still widely read in Finland today. In 2016, 100 years will have passed from the final publication of the two-part anthology Helkavirsiä (1903 & 1916), which is ranked amongst Leino's most influential work.

The obverse of the coin depicts the fire and passion that fueled all aspects of Eino Leino's life, resulting in his enormous and varied literary oeuvre.