
Icelandic coins are a fascinating topic, and I'm excited to share some interesting facts with you.
The Icelandic króna is the official currency of Iceland, and it's divided into 100 aurar, although aurar are no longer used in everyday transactions.
You can find Icelandic coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 krónur, with the 500 krónur coin being the largest in circulation.
Icelandic coins are made of a variety of materials, including aluminum, copper, and nickel.
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Types of Icelandic Coins
Icelandic coins have a rich history, and one of the most iconic coins is the 5 krónur, which commemorates 1000 years of the Althing, a major milestone in Icelandic history.
There are different types of Icelandic coins, each with its own unique characteristics.
The composition of Icelandic coins can vary, with some made of bronze, like KM# 26, and others made of silver, like KM# 30 and 30a.
The value of these coins can also differ, with KM# 26 valued between 0.69$ and 0.92$.
Valid Coins
In Iceland, you can use a variety of coins for everyday transactions.
The Central Bank of Iceland has exclusive rights to issue currency in the country, which means they're the ones responsible for creating and distributing the coins.
Only five coin denominations are considered legal tender in Iceland: the 100 króna coin, the 50 króna coin, the 10 króna coin, the 5 króna coin, and the 1 króna coin.
These coins are widely accepted by merchants and can be used to pay for goods and services in Iceland.
100 Kronur, 2004
The 100 Kronur, 2004 coin is a great example of Icelandic currency. It's made of nickel brass and has a diameter of 25 mm, weighing 8.52 grams.
The design of the coin is quite unique, featuring a graphic composition divided into four sectors with images of Iceland's mythical patrons. These include the bull, eagle or griffin, dragon, and rock-giant, which are also represented on the national coat of arms.
The mintage for this coin was 2.4 million units. This is a relatively high number, suggesting that the coin was widely circulated.
Here's a quick summary of the coin's specifications:
- Nickel brass composition
- 25 mm diameter
- 8.52 grams weight
- Reference price: 1.3 dollars
It's worth noting that the Icelandic króna has been divided into 100 eyrir (plural: aurar) since 1925.
10 Aurar
The 10 Aurar coin is a staple of Icelandic currency, and it's been around for quite some time. It's made of bronze, which is a common material for coins.
You can find 10 Aurar coins with the KM# number 6.2, minted in 1940 and 1942. These early coins are highly collectible, especially among numismatists.
The coin value of 10 Aurar coins varies greatly, with some selling for as little as $0.45 and others fetching up to $4.63. This is likely due to their age and rarity.
Here's a list of some of the notable 10 Aurar coins:
As you can see, the 10 Aurar coin has undergone many changes over the years, from its composition to its design.
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5 Krónur (Althing)
The 5 Krónur coin is a significant denomination in Icelandic currency, commemorating the 1000-year anniversary of the Althing, the world's oldest parliament. This coin has been minted in various compositions and years.
The KM# 26 5 Krónur coin is made of bronze and was minted in 1981, with a coin value ranging from $0.69 to $0.92.
The KM# 30 and KM# 30a 5 Krónur coins are made of silver and were minted in 1986.
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1.000 Coronas (Leif Ericsson Millennium)
The 1.000 Coronas (Leif Ericsson Millennium) is a unique and highly collectible Icelandic coin. Produced in limited quantities, its rarity is one of the main reasons why it's attractive to investors.
One of the most significant factors that contribute to its value is the historical event it commemorates, the Leif Ericsson Millennium. This event had a profound impact on Iceland's coin production, adding to the coin's rarity and collectibility.
Coins that are in excellent condition and date back to ancient times are often worth more than newer coins or those in poor condition, which is another factor that affects the price of the 1.000 Coronas.
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Features
Iceland's coins have some interesting features that are worth noting. The first thing to know is that the issuer of these coins is Iceland itself, which gained independence in 1944.
The coins were issued under the republic regime, which is still in place today. They are standard circulation coins, meaning you can use them for everyday transactions.
These coins were minted from 1989 to 2011, a period of 22 years. The value of each coin is 1 Króna, which is equivalent to USD 0.0071.
Here's a breakdown of the coin's specifications:
These coins are part of the New króna currency, which was introduced in 1980 and is still in use today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best currency to use in Iceland?
For the easiest transactions, especially outside of urban areas, we recommend using Icelandic krona. However, some businesses may accept US dollar, British pound, or euro, but this is not guaranteed.
What is the money in Iceland called?
The official currency in Iceland is called the króna, abbreviated as "kr" or "ISK". It's divided into smaller units, formerly known as eyrir or aurar.
What is a 1 kr coin?
A 1 kr coin is a small Icelandic currency coin made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, introduced in 1981. It measures 21.5 mm in diameter and weighs 4.5 grams.
What is the difference between ISK and kr?
ISK (Íslensk króna) is the international currency abbreviation for the Icelandic krona, while "kr." is the local notation used in Iceland to indicate the currency.
Sources
- https://www.cb.is/financial-stability/oversight-of-financial-market-infrastructures/banknotes-and-coin/valid-coins-in-circulation/
- https://www.dema-coins.com/2023/04/krona-coin-Iceland.html
- https://www.worldcoinscatalog.com/iceland
- https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces1549.html
- https://mapleridgemuseum.org/iceland-coin-bracelet/
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