
The history of Swedish money coins dates back to the 16th century. The first Swedish coins were minted in 1523.
The Swedish crown, also known as the krona, is the official currency of Sweden. It's divided into 100 öre.
One of the oldest coins in Sweden is the riksdaler, which was used from 1661 to 1873.
Swedish Money
The Swedish Krona is the official currency of Sweden, literally meaning "crown" in Swedish. The Swedish Krona has a fascinating history, with its name coming from France via Denmark.
In Sweden, you can find coins in circulation with values of one, two, five, and 10 kronor. The E-krona, a digital currency, is also available through the Swish app, although it hasn't been officially adopted yet.
The Swedish Krona has undergone changes over the years. The first Swedish currency valued at 1 krona was a black and green banknote, printed on one side with the lettering that translates to "will pay, on demand, for this note one krona in gold coin".
Intriguing read: Swedish Kronor
Coins like the 1 krona (Gustaf V) have been minted since 1952. This coin is made of bronze and has a composition of KM# 822. You can find it in various years, including 1952, 1958, and 1962.
The Swedish Krona has different denominations for bills, including 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 kronor. The E-krona, a digital currency, is controlled by the Riksbank and exchanged through the Swish app.
Other countries also have currencies called "crown", such as Norway, where it's known as the krone, and the Czech Republic, where it's called the koruna. Both words can be translated as "crown" in their respective languages.
A 1-krona coin from 1874 was sold for €70 at Myntkompaniet, while a not folded example from 1875 with minor foxing was sold for €44.
For more insights, see: Swedish Krona Abbreviation
History of the Krona
The Krona was introduced in Sweden as a national currency, equivalent to 0.403225g of gold.
The name "krona" came from France via Denmark, and both Denmark and Norway also adopted the krona and øre as their national currencies.
The first Swedish currency valued at 1 krona was a black and green banknote, printed in 1874 and 1875.
A 1-krona note from 1874 was valued at €70, while a 1-krona note from 1875 with minor foxing was valued at €44.
In 1875, 1-krona coins were also minted.
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The Birth of the Krona
The name of the new coinage unit, the krona, originated from France via Denmark.
A krona was equivalent to 0.403225g of gold.
Denmark and Norway also adopted the krona and øre as national currencies under the gold standard framework.
This standardization allowed for easier trade between the countries.
The first Swedish currency valued at 1 krona was a black and green banknote, printed with the lettering ‘Sweriges Riksbank inlöser, vid anfordran, denna sedel å En Krona med guldmynt enligt lagen om rikets mynt af den 30 Mai 1873’.
This translates to ‘will pay, on demand, for this note one krona in gold coin according to the law on the national coinage of 30 May 1873’.
In 1874, an 1874 1-krona note was sold for €70 at Myntkompaniet, while a not folded example from 1875 with minor foxing was sold for €44.
Suggestion: Gold Dinars
Return
The Krona's return to the Swedish economy was a pivotal moment. In 1995, Sweden abandoned the Krona's peg to the European Currency Unit (ECU) in preparation for joining the European Monetary Union (EMU).
Suggestion: Usd to Krone Exchange Rate
The Swedish government decided to let the Krona float freely on the foreign exchange market. This move allowed the Krona to appreciate in value over time, eventually reaching parity with the US dollar in 1998.
The Krona's return to a floating currency was a deliberate decision to regain control over monetary policy. This move was seen as a way to strengthen the Swedish economy and reduce its reliance on foreign currencies.
The Krona's value continued to rise, reaching a peak in 2000. This appreciation was largely due to Sweden's strong economy and low inflation rates.
In the years following the Krona's return, Sweden's economy continued to grow. The country's GDP per capita increased, making it one of the wealthiest in the world.
Denominations
The Swedish Krona has a long history, and its denominations have evolved over time. Currently, there are one, two, five, and 10 kronor coins in circulation.
In the past, the denominations varied greatly. For example, in the 1770s, coins were issued in denominations of 1 öre K.M., 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 öre S.M., 1 and 2 daler S.M., and 1 riksdaler.
For your interest: Dong Currency Denominations
Here are some of the past denominations of Swedish coins and banknotes:
As you can see, the denominations have changed significantly over time, reflecting the country's economic and monetary developments.
Banknotes
Banknotes have a long and varied history in Sweden. Between 1661 and 1667, Stockholms Banco issued notes in a large range of denominations of riksdaler specie, silver daler, and copper daler.
In 1701, paper money production resumed with issued notes from the Kongliga (later Riksens) Ständers Wexel-Banco. These notes often had the value written in by hand at the time of issue.
Printed denominations of 6, 9, 12, 24, and 36 copper daler (daler KMT) were introduced. However, many notes continued to have handwritten amounts until 1836.
In 1777, banknotes were introduced in denominations of 2 and 3 riksdaler. Smaller denominations of 8, 12, and 16 schillingar were also introduced in 1802.
The Riksgälds Kontor introduced notes with handwritten denominations in 1790. Printed denominations of 12, 16, and 24 schillingar, 1, 2, and 5 riksdaler were introduced in 1791.
Here's a list of some of the banknote denominations introduced between 1777 and 1836:
- 2 and 3 riksdaler (1777)
- 8, 12, and 16 schillingar (1802)
- 12, 16, and 24 schillingar, 1, 2, and 5 riksdaler (1791)
- 32 skilling banco (1835-1836)
The Riksgälds Kontor ceased printing paper money in 1834.
Coins
Coins have been a part of Swedish currency for centuries. In the 1770s, coins were issued in various denominations, including 1 öre K.M., 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 öre S.M., 1 and 2 daler S.M., and 1 riksdaler.
The Riksgäldskontoret issued 1⁄4 and 1⁄2 skilling tokens between 1799 and 1802. These tokens were used alongside other coins, which were also being minted during this time.
In 1830, a new silver coinage was introduced, featuring coins in denominations of 1⁄12, 1⁄8, 1⁄4, and 1⁄2 riksdaler. These coins were struck in .750 fineness and were weight-related.
The new silver coins were accompanied by copper coins, including 1⁄6 and 1⁄3 skilling banco. The copper coins were introduced in 1835, and they were used alongside the silver coins.
Here's a list of some of the coins that were issued during this time:
- 1⁄12, 1⁄8, 1⁄4, and 1⁄2 riksdaler (silver)
- 1⁄6 and 1⁄3 skilling banco (copper)
- 1⁄4 and 1⁄2 skilling tokens (pollet)
These coins were used for many years and were an important part of Swedish currency.
Sweden Phasing Out Older Coins
Sweden is phasing out older coins, starting with the 1-, 2-, and 5-krona denominations. These coins will no longer be accepted in circulation after June 30.
The 1-krona coin was in use from 1976 to 2012, with several commemorative designs circulating during that time. The most recent definitive design was used from 2001 to 2012.
The 2-krona coin had been out of circulation since 1971, but was reintroduced in 2016. It was first issued in 1952.
The classic 5-krona coin has been in circulation since 1976. It will remain legal tender until August 31, 2017, but can only be deposited into bank accounts after that date.
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10
The 10 öre denomination is quite interesting. It was minted in copper-nickel.
The 10 öre coin has a number of different years associated with it. These include 1976, 1979, 1982, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1988, 1986, 1978, 1980, 1990, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1977, and 1986.
The value of the 10 öre coin can vary. It can be worth as little as 0.06 dollars or as much as 2.71 dollars.
5 Öre
The 5 öre denomination has been minted in various compositions and years. The most common composition is bronze.
The value of a 5 öre coin can range from $0.15 to $1.06, depending on the year and composition. For example, a 5 öre coin from the Gustaf V era can be worth anywhere from $0.15 to $1.06.
The years in which a 5 öre coin was minted are varied, with some coins being produced in multiple years. For instance, a 5 öre coin with KM# 779.2 was minted in 1910, 1940, 1950, and several other years.
Here's a list of the different compositions and their corresponding value ranges:
A 5 öre coin from the Gustaf VI era can also be worth a significant amount, ranging from $0.03 to $1.87.
Monarchs
Monarchs have been a part of Swedish money coins for centuries, with the first monarch featured on a Swedish coin in 1521. The monarchs depicted on Swedish coins have played a significant role in shaping the country's history.
King Gustav Vasa was the first monarch to have his image featured on a Swedish coin, and his portrait was used on the 1 öre coin. The use of monarchs on coins helped to establish the monarch's authority and legitimacy.
Today, monarchs are still featured on some Swedish coins, but their role is more symbolic.
5
Monarchs are incredible creatures with a unique life cycle. They spend most of their lives in the caterpillar stage, eating and growing to store energy for their transformation into a butterfly.
Their distinct orange and black wings are a warning to potential predators that they're toxic. Monarchs are the only butterflies that migrate thousands of miles each year, traveling from Canada and the US to Mexico.
This incredible journey is made possible by their ability to live up to 8 months, an unusually long lifespan for a butterfly. They fly up to 3,000 miles, crossing entire states and even countries, to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico.

Monarchs are also known for their distinctive dance, known as "tremulation", where they vibrate their wings to communicate with other monarchs. This dance is a vital part of their mating ritual.
Their caterpillars are also quite remarkable, being able to eat up to 27,000 times their own body weight in milkweed leaves before pupating. This allows them to store the toxic chemicals that make them unpalatable to predators.
Kristina Vasa
Kristina Vasa was a Swedish queen and a member of the royal family of the Habsburgs. She was the daughter of King John III of Sweden and his wife, Catherine Stenbock.
Kristina Vasa was born in 1559 and was known for her intelligence and strong will. She was the first and only monarch of Sweden to be a woman and the last monarch of the House of Vasa.
Kristina Vasa converted to Catholicism in 1612, which was a significant change from her earlier Protestant faith. This decision was likely influenced by her marriage to King Charles IX of Sweden.
Kristina Vasa died in 1625, but not before abdicating the throne in 1654.
Karl XII

Karl XII was a Swedish monarch who left a lasting impact on the country's coinage system. He introduced the 1/6 öre coin in 1707 and 1708, made of copper.
The 1/6 öre coin was a significant addition to Sweden's currency at the time. Karl XII's reign saw the introduction of new coins, including the 1/6 öre.
The KM# 334.1 and KM# 334.2 coins were both made of copper and featured the 1/6 öre denomination. These coins were minted during Karl XII's reign and remain an important part of Swedish numismatic history.
Here are the details of the KM# coins minted during Karl XII's reign:
Karl XII's legacy in Swedish coinage is still celebrated today.
Gustaf V
Gustaf V was a Swedish monarch who had coins minted in his honor. The coins were made of silver and had a value ranging from $0.34 to $7.45.
The coins with the highest value were minted in 1947, with a value of $3.00. This was likely due to the rarity of the coins.
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Here are the coins minted in Gustaf V's honor, listed by their KM#:
These coins were minted over several years, with some years having multiple mintings. The coins with the lowest value were minted in 1943 and 1950.
Gustaf VI
Gustaf VI, the sixth king of the House of Bernadotte, had a notable presence in Swedish currency. He's featured on a 5 öre coin, which was minted in several years, including 1967 and 1972.
The coin value of Gustaf VI's 5 öre coin ranges from 0.03$ to 1.87$. This variation in value is likely due to the different years it was minted.
One unique aspect of Gustaf VI's coin is that it was also minted in silver in 1966. This adds a touch of luxury to an already interesting piece of currency.
Here are the different compositions and years of Gustaf VI's coins:
The bronze version of Gustaf VI's coin has a relatively low value, ranging from 0.13$ to 0.44$.
Oscar I
Oscar I, also known as Oscar I of Sweden, was a monarch who ruled Sweden from 1844 to 1859. He was the second king of the House of Bernadotte.
Oscar I was born on July 4, 1799, in Paris, France. He was the son of King Charles XIV John of Sweden and his wife, Désirée Clary.
Oscar I married Princess Joséphine of Leuchtenberg in 1823. She was a Russian princess and a member of the Romanov family.
Oscar I died on July 8, 1859, at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden.
Oscar II
Oscar II was a Swedish monarch who had a significant impact on the country's currency. He introduced a new series of coins in bronze, which was a departure from the previous materials used.
The first coin introduced under Oscar II's rule was the 1 öre coin, with a KM# of 728, made of bronze, and minted in 1873.
Oscar II's reign also saw the minting of multiple 1 öre coins in 1874, 1875, 1876, and 1877, with a KM# of 734, also made of bronze.
These coins were likely used in everyday transactions, and their value was likely tied to the bronze composition and the monarch's authority.
Here are the KM# numbers for the 1 öre coins minted during Oscar II's reign:
Variants and Anniversaries
In Sweden, 2-kronor coins have undergone several design changes over the years. The first version of the 2-kronor coin with Oscar II was minted in 1876-80 in silver.
There are three types of 2-kronor coins from 1876, which can be identified by the size of the year date and the "E.B." marking.
The usual type 1 has a smaller year date, while type 2 and 3 have a larger date and a large or short "E.B." respectively, with type 2 being relatively rare.
A scarce variety of the 2-kronor coin from 1878 features the inscription "OCH" (and) between the two countries above the king's head.
The design of the 2-kronor coin changed again after Norway gained its independence, with the inscription "OSCAR II SVERIGES KONUNG" indicating that King Oscar II was only the king of Sweden.
Here's a list of some 2-kronor coins with their corresponding composition and years:
25th Anniversary of King Oscar's Coronation

The 25th Anniversary of King Oscar's Coronation was celebrated with a special coin issue in 1897. This commemorative coin was made of silver and is known as the 2 kronor coin.
The KM# for this coin is 762. It's a unique piece of history that marks a significant milestone in the king's reign.
The coin's composition is silver, which was a common material used for coins at that time. It's a testament to the craftsmanship of the era.
In addition to the 1897 silver coin, there was also a bronze coin issued in 1907 to commemorate the same anniversary. This coin has a KM# of 769 and 770.
The bronze coins were also used to celebrate the anniversary, with two different KM#s, 769 and 770, both issued in 1907.
Broaden your view: 1899 United States Five-dollar Silver Certificate
Anniversary of Gustav VI Adolf's Birth
As we celebrate the anniversary of Gustav VI Adolf's birth, let's take a closer look at some of the commemorative coins that were minted in his honor.

Gustav VI Adolf's 5 öre coin had multiple variations, with a composition of copper-nickel and a value ranging from 0.03 to 1.87 dollars.
These coins were minted in various years, including 1963, 1967, 1972, and 1973.
One notable variation of the 5 öre coin is the silver composition, which was minted in 1966.
Its value is not specified in the provided information.
The 5 öre coin also had a bronze composition, minted in 1972 and 1973, with a value ranging from 0.13 to 0.44 dollars.
If you're interested in collecting coins from Gustav VI Adolf's reign, here are some key dates to look out for:
As we mark this special occasion, it's a great time to appreciate the rich history and diversity of coins from Gustav VI Adolf's reign.
Variants
There are three types of 2-kronor coins from the first year of 1876, which are relatively easy to recognize.
The usual type 1 has a smaller year date, which is 5mm wide.

Rarer are type 2 and 3, which have larger date sizes and different "E.B." markings, with type 2 having a large date and a large "E.B.", and type 3 having a large date and a short "E.B.".
In 1878, a scarce variety was produced with "OCH" (and) between the two countries above the king's head.
These variants showcase the unique details of the 2-kronor coins from the late 19th century.
For another approach, see: 2 Million Krw
Krone (New Millennium)
The Krone (New Millennium) is a variant that emerged in the 21st century. It's characterized by a sleeker design and improved functionality.
This variant is often seen in modern-day applications, where its efficiency and accuracy are highly valued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you still use krona in Sweden?
Yes, the Swedish Krona (SEK) is still the official currency in Sweden and widely accepted. You can use it to make purchases and pay bills in Sweden, but it's also worth noting that the Scandinavian Monetary Union is no longer in effect.
What are the names of Sweden's currency?
Sweden's official currency is the Swedish krona (SEK), also known as the krona. It is subdivided into 100 smaller units called öre.
Which Swedish coins are still valid?
In Sweden, the 1-krona, 2-krona, 5-krona, and 10-krona coins are still valid and accepted as legal tender. Click to learn more about each coin.
What is the 5 Swedish kronor coin?
The 5 Swedish kronor coin is a gold-colored coin made from an alloy of copper, aluminium, zinc, and tin. It measures 23.75 millimeters in diameter and weighs 6.10 grams.
Sources
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sek-swedish-krona.asp
- https://www.coinworld.com/news/world-coins/sweden-saying-farewell-to-older-heavier-krona-coins.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_riksdaler
- https://www.collectors-club-of-great-britain.co.uk/collecting/quick-guide-to-swedish-krona-coins/
- https://www.worldcoinscatalog.com/sweden
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