Description
Danish 20 Kroner gold coins were minted between
1873 and 1931 and feature three different rulers: Christian IX,
Frederick VIII, and Christian X. The coins pictured above are of the
Ferderick VIII variety.
Design
The obverse of each 20 Kroner gold coin features the
bust of the day's ruler. The name of the country ('DANMARKS ' KONGE' or
'KONGE AF DANMARK') and ruler surround the king. The date also appears
on the Christian versions.
The reverse on the coins of the two latter rulers is nearly
identical. The date, denomination, and any minting marks sit below the
coat of arms of the kingdom. The Christian IX reverse, however,
features a design commonly referred to as a 'Mermaid'. In actuality,
the design depicts Liberty sitting on / next to a bundle of wheat,
holding a staff and a shield. The tail of the herring at her feet seems
to blend into her legs, giving the illusion of a mermaid.
Minting Information
All Danish 20 Kroner coins have a
heart-shaped Mint Mark, signifying the Copenhagen Mint. These coins
were often also struck with one to three initials signifying the
Mintmaster and / or Moneyer. The Krone (singular of Kroner) was an
official unit of Denmark's monetary system, the present form of which
was introduced in 1874, one year after the kingdom abandoned its silver
standard.
| Detailed Coin Information |
| Designer: Professor Peters (Christian IX); Knud Gunnar Jensen (Fredrik VIII); Andres F.V. Hansen (obverse only - Christian X) |
| Gross Weight: 8.9606g |
Net Weight: 8.06g |
| Composition: 90% Gold (21.6 Karat) |
Gold Content: 0.2592 Troy oz. |
| Diameter: 23mm |
Edge: Reeded |
Dates: 1873-74; 1876-77; 1890;1900 (Christian IX); 1908-12 (Frederik VIII); 1913-17; 1926-27*; 1930-31* (Christian X)
* 1926-27 and 1930-31 dates were not released for circulation |
| Mint: Copenhagen Royal Mint |
