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Thursday 5 November 2015

227) Currency and Coinage of Sweden: Kronor and Ore: New Banknotes Series and Coins being issued in 2015 and 2016



227) Swedish Currency and Coinage: Kronor and Ore:New Banknotes Series and Coins being issued in 2015 and 2016:


The 2015-2016 Series of Banknotes & Coins:

In 2015 and 2016, Sweden will be issuing new Banknotes and coins. This is being done to provide Sweden with safe and efficient cash for the next several years to come.

Schedule for Change-over of the Currency/Coinage:

Four of the new Banknotes (20, 50, 200 and 1000 Krona) have been put onto circulation on 1st October 2015, while the remaining two Banknotes (100 and 500 Krona) and the three coins (1, 2 and 5 Krona) will be released into circulation on 3rd October 2016. (The 10 Krona coin will, however, remain unchanged).

Interestingly, while the 20, 50 and 1000 Krona Banknotes presently in circulation would cease to be legal tender as on 30th June 2016 and the 100 and 500 Krona Banknotes presently in circulation, would cease to be legal tender as on 30th June 2017, all versions of 1, 2, 5 and 10 Krona coins and Commemorative coins minted after 1897  would continue to be legal tender.

New Banknotes:

These new Banknotes and Coins will be having a completely new appearance. In addition, a new denomination of 200 Krona will also be circulated/issued.

Also, this is the first time in modern Swedish Currency & Coinage history that all denominations of Banknotes and coins (except for the 10 Krona coin) would have been changed.

The theme of these Banknotes is the “Cultural Journey Series”.

The Banknotes are designed to take users on an exciting Swedish cultural journey from Birgit Nilsson and Oresund Bridge in the south to Dag Hammarskjold and the Three-country Cairn in the North.

The new Banknotes are smaller than the current ones and have completely new motifs.

On the Front are depicted some of Sweden’s foremost cultural personalities of the 20th century.

On the Back are depicted natural and environmental motifs connected to these personalities.

The security features of the Banknotes have been considerably improved for providing better protection against counterfeiting and to “raise the bar” for potential counterfeiters.

A new feature that has been added is that the Banknotes can be tilted to look at images that change colour and images that move and shift between motifs so as to verify that they are genuine.

Another feature of these Banknotes is that they are printed on cotton fibre paper that is not fluorescent (i.e. they do not emit light under UV rays, other than a bluish glow.

Also, the Banknote numbers are unique: The letters indicate the year in which the Banknote was printed, for example, A=2015, B=2016 and so on. The final seven digits are a serial number.

 The new security features include – Security Ribbon, Colour shifting image, intaglio print, watermark, security thread, See-through picture, UV image, UV Fibres and Micro and Mini-texts.
The Front of a 1000 Kronor specimen Banknote depicting Dag Hammarskjold.

The Front of the 1000 Kroner Banknote (or “Ett Tusen Kronor”) depicts UN Secretary General and Member of the Swedish Academy Dag Hammarskjold. Towards his right is the Emblem and Headquarters of the United Nations, with the Complex being located in New York.

Also mentioned above the United Nations complex is the micro-text which can be read with the aid of a magnifying glass: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 1). This is mentioned in Swedish on the Banknote.

Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961): He was Secretary General of the United Nations from 1953 to 1961 and Member of the Swedish Academy from 1954.

He passed away in an aircraft crash in what is now Zambia in 1961.

He was posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961 itself. 
    The Back of the 1000 Kronor specimen Banknote depicting Lappland.
The Back of the 1000 Kroner Banknote depicts Lappland, an area of natural beauty which was of great interest to Dag Mammarskjold.

His portrait depicted on this Banknote has been inspired from a photograph taken by Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh which was published in Time Magazine in August 1960.

The size of this Banknote is 154 mm x 66 mm and its colour is grey-brown. It was first issued in October 2015.
 The Front of a 500 Kronor specimen Banknote depicting Birgit Nilsson

The Front of the 500 Kroner Banknote (or “Fem Hundra Kronor”) depicts Opera singer Birgit Nilsson. Towards the right of her portrait is an image from a rehearsal of the first act of “Die Walkure” in scenographer Jan Brazda’s production in 1968. Birgit is seen in the role of Brunnhilde and Jerker Arvidson in the role of Wotan.

Some of Birgit’s Opera roles are mentioned in a mini-text in the centre of the Banknote in her hair, which can be read with the aid of a magnifying glass– “Agathe, Alda, Amelia, Ariadne, Brunnhilde, Donna Anna, Elektra, Elettra, Elisabeth, Elsa, the Marschallin, the Dyer’s Wife, Isolde, Judith, Lady Macbeth, Leonore, Lisa, Minnie, Ortlinde, Penelope, Rezia, Salome, Senta, Sieglinde, Sigrun, Tosca, Turandot, Ursula, Venus, Woglinde”. These names are mentioned in Swedish on the Banknote.

Birgit Nilsson (1918-2005):  was a leading Wagnerian soprano of her time with a successful career that spanned the Globe. Her portrait depicted on this Banknote has been inspired from a photograph taken by Enar Merkel Rydberg, former photographer at the Royal Swedish Opera, which shows Birgit Nilsson in the role of Brunnhilde, taken in conjunction with a 1968 production of Richard Wagner’s opera “Die Walkure”.

(Interestingly, there has been a criticism of Birgit Nilsson that the design chosen for the Banknote shows her performing “Die Walkure” by Richard Wagner on the grounds that it is inappropriate to include something by Wagner, whose works were closely associated with Nazi Germany, in a time of increasing problems with anti-Semitism in Sweden. Again the choice og Birgit has been criticised on grounds that in her 1995 autobiography, she described Mauritz Rosengarten from Decca using anti-semetic jokes about greed. Nevertheless the Riksbank has countered by saying that that it is unfortunate that their Banknote design has been criticised and that the design will be implemented as it is)
 The Back of the 500 Kronor specimen Banknote depicting Skane.

The Back of the 500 Kroner Banknote depicts Skane, where Birgit Nilsson grew up.

The size of this Banknote is 147mm x 66 mm and its colour is red. It will be first issued in October 2016.
 The Front of a 200 Kronor specimen Banknote depicting Ingmar Bergman

The Front of the 200 Kroner Banknote (or “Tva Hundra Kronor”) depicts Film director Ingmar Bergman. Towards the right of his portrait is an image from the making of Ingmar Bergman’s film “The seventh seal” which opened in 1957. This image is taken from a photograph by Louis Huch, a still photographer attached to Svensk Filmindustri. This picture shows Ingmar in conversation with Bengt Ekerot in the role of Death.

A quotation by Ingmar Bergman is mentioned in a mini-text towards the right of the Banknote which can be read with the aid of a magnifying glass– “I know, of course, that by using film we can bring in other previously unknown worlds, realities beyond reality”. The quotation is mentioned in Swedish on the Banknote.

There is also a micro-text in the centre of the Banknote which can be read with the aid of a magnifying glass– “The most precious chair in the world belongs to you. Take care of it, for it is very fragile. It light easily fall to pieces. This metal, which has existed for billions of years, fifty-nine thousand metres under the earth has tired of people. It could turn into powder and dust just like the empress if you don’t take care of it.” (Oscar in Fanny and Alexander – 1983).
 The Back of the 200 Kronor specimen Banknote, depicting Gotland

The Back of the 200 Kroner Banknote depicts Gotland (Faro), where Ingmar Bergman had his home.

The size of this Banknote is 140 mm x 66 mm and its colour is green. It was first issued in October 2015.

Ingmar Bergman (1918-2007): He was a film and theatre Director who is considered to be one of the foremost Directors in film history. His portrait depicted on this Banknote has been inspired from a photograph selected from a series of film and theatre portraits taken by French photographer Frederick-Edwin Bertin during 1998-2001.
 The Front of a 100 Kronor specimen Banknote depicting Greta Garbo

The Front of the 100 Kroner Banknote (or “Ett Hundra Kronor”) depicts Actress Greta Garbo. Towards the right of her portrait are strips of films from the world of films. Her portrait depicted on this Banknote has been inspired from a photograph taken by the US photographer Clarence Sinclair Bull in connection with the making of the film “Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise)”.

There is also a micro-text in the centre of the Banknote which can be read with the aid of a magnifying glass in which a selection of her movie roles have been mentioned – “Karin, Ninotchka, Marie Walewska, Anna Karenina, Katrin, Christina, Mata Hari, Susan Lenox, Yvonne, Anna Christie, Irene, Arden stuart, Lillis, Diana Merrick, Tania, Marianne, Felicitas von Rhaden, Elena, Leonora, Elisabeth Dohna”. The quotation is mentioned in Swedish on the Banknote.
 The Back of the 100 Kronor specimen Banknote depicting Stockholm

 The Back of the 100 Kroner Banknote depicts Stockholm, where Greta Garbo grew up.

The size of this Banknote is 133 mm x 66 mm and its colour is blue. It will be first issued in October 2016.

Greta Garbo (1905-1990): She is considered to be one of the greatest Hollywood film stars of the 1920s and 1930s. She starred in 27 very popular films during her acting career.

 The above 100 Kronor Banknote which would cease to be legal tender on 30.06.2017, depicts Carl Linnaeus, who was also called Carl von Linne (1707-1778) after his enoblement. This Banknote is from the collection of Jayant Biswas.
Carl von Linnaeus (1717-1778): was a Swedish botanist, physician and zoologist who formalised the modern system of naming organisms called "binomial nomemclature". He is referred to as the "Father of Modern Taxonomy".
 The Back of the above Banknote shows a bee pollinating a flower.
 The Front of the 50 Kronor specimen banknote depicting Evert Taube. This Banknote is from the collection of Jayant Biswas. 

The Front of the 50 Kroner Banknote (or “Femtio Kronor”) depicts the poet, composer and artist Evert Taube. To the left of Evert’s portrait are musical notes from his ballad “Sa lange skutan kan ga” (While still the boat sails along). Evert’s portrait on this Banknote has been inspired by a photograph by Bengt Adin, which was published in a book titled “Kom i min famn” by Inga-Britt Fredholm.

There is a mini-text towards the right of the Banknote which can be read with the aid of a magnifying glass from Evert Taube’s ballet “Sjosala vals” (Waltz of Sjosala) which translates into English as – “Ronnerdahl is old but waltzes still. Ronnerdahl has sorrows and not enough sequins. He seldom gets to rest – he has to work for two. How he makes it through the party nobody knows”. The quotation is mentioned in Swedish on the Banknote.

  The Back of the 50 Kronor specimen Banknote depicting Bohuslan

The Back of the 50 Kroner Banknote depicts Bohuslan, one of the many places from which Evert Taube drew inspiration.

The size of this Banknote is 126 mm x 66 mm and its colour is yellow/orange. It has been first issued in October 2015.

Evert Taube (1890-1976): Poet, composer and artist Evert Taube is considered to be one of Sweden’s national poets due to his contributions to Swedish balladry.
 The Front of the 20 Kronor specimen banknote depicting astrid Lindgren

The Front of the 20 Kroner Banknote (or “Tjugo Kronor”) depicts children’s story writer Astrid Lindgren. Astrid’s portrait on this Banknote has been inspired by an illustration made by Jacob Forsell in 1987. To the right of Astrid’s portrait is an image of Pippi Longstocking from an illustration by Ingrid Vang Nyman. The first book about Pippi was published in 1945.

There is a mini-text towards the right centre of the Banknote behind Pippi’s image which can be read with the aid of a magnifying glass from the book “Pippi Longstocking” (first edition 1945) which is translated in English as “Suppose you go home now, said Pippi, so that you can come back tomorrow. Because if you don’t go home you can’t come back, and that would be a shame” – Pippi.

There is another mini-text towards the right centre of the Banknote  behind Pippi’s image which can be read with the aid of a magnifying glass is from the book “Pippi in the South Seas” (first edition 1948) which translated into English reads “Little squiggle, you are clever, I do not want to grow up ever” – Pippi.

A third mini-text towards the right centre of the Banknote behind Pippi’s image which can be read with the aid of a magnifying glass is  from the essay “Om lashunger” published in the magazine “Vi husmodrar” in 1956 – “A childhood without books – that would be no childhood. That would be like being shut out from the enchanted place where you go and find the rarest kind of joy” – Astrid

Again, in the centre of the Banknote, on Astrid’s hair is a micro-text from Astrid’s book “Skolbiblioteket” (published in 1958) which translates into English as “I want to write for readers who can perform miracles. Only children perform miracles when they read. That is why children need books”. The quotation is mentioned in Swedish on the Banknote.
 The Back of the 20 Kronor specimen banknote depicting Smaland

The Back of the 20 Kroner Banknote depicts Smaland, where Astrid Lindgren grew up.

The size of this Banknote is 120 mm x 66 mm and its colour is violet. It has been first issued in October 2015.

Astrid Linggren (1907-2002): Author Astrid Lindgren is known globally for her children’s books about Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lonneberga et al.

New coins:



The new coins which are in the denominations of 1,2 and 5 krona (the 10 Krona coin has remained unchanged) will be much smaller and weigh half as much as the present ones.

All versions of 1, 2, 5 and 10 Krona coins and Commemorative coins minted after 1897  would continue to be legal tender.

 The metal composition of these coins will be completely nickel-free. Furthermore, a 2 Krona coin will again be issued for the first time since 1971.

The coins will have King Carl XVI Gustav as the motif. A parallel theme of these coins will be “Sol, vind och vatten” (meaning “sun, wind and water”). However, the 10 Krona coin will remain unchanged.

Five Krona coin:

On the Obverse of the 5 Kronor coin is depicted the monogram of King Carl XVI Gustaf “CG”. The legend inscription is “CARL XVI GUSTAF SVERIGES KONUNG” (meaning “Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden”). The year of minting will also be mentioned.

The initials of the designer “Ernst Nordin” are also engraved on this coin face.

On the Reverse of the 5 Kronor Coin are depicted stylised waves  and “Tre Kronor” (or the “Lesser Coat of Arms”). There is a text “SVERIGE” (meaning “Sweden”) and the denomination of the coin “5 KRONOR”.

The first letter of the place of issue “Stockholm” is mentioned towards the left of the Lesser Coat of Arms. Towards the right of the Lesser Coat of arms are the initials of the Governor of the Riksbank, Stefan Ingves.

The specifications of this coin are:

Colour: Gold; Metal composition: Alloy of copper, aluminium, zinc and tin; Weight: 6.10 gms; Diameter: 23.75 mm; Thickness: 1.95 mm; Edge: Smooth; Designer: Ernst Nordin.

On the Obverse of the 2 Kronor coin is depicted the monogram of King Carl XVI Gustaf “CG”. The legend inscription is “CARL XVI GUSTAF SVERIGES KONUNG” (meaning “Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden”). The year of minting will also be mentioned.

The initials of the designer “Ernst Nordin” are also engraved on this coin face.

On the Reverse of the 2 Kronor Coin are depicted stylised whirlwind and “Tre Kronor” (or the “Lesser Coat of Arms”). There is a text “SVERIGE” (meaning “Sweden”) and the denomination of the coin “52KRONOR”.

The first letter of the place of issue “Stockholm” is mentioned towards the left of the Lesser Coat of Arms. Towards the right of the Lesser Coat of arms are the initials of the Governor of the Riksbank, Stefan Ingves.

The specifications of this coin are:

Colour: Copper; Metal composition: Copper plated steel which is set to a core of steel with a thin outer layer of copper; Weight: 4.80 gms; Diameter: 22.50 mm; Thickness: 1.79 mm; Edge: Partially milled, partially smooth; Designer: Ernst Nordin.

On the Obverse of the 1 Kronor coin is depicted the monogram of King Carl XVI Gustaf “CG”. The legend inscription is “CARL XVI GUSTAF SVERIGES KONUNG” (meaning “Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden”). The year of minting will also be mentioned.

The initials of the designer “Ernst Nordin” are also engraved on this coin face.

On the Reverse of the 1 Kronor Coin aredepicted stylised solar coronaTre Kronor” (or the “Lesser Coat of Arms”). There is a text “SVERIGE” (meaning “Sweden”) and the denomination of the coin “EN KRONA” and the numeral “1”.

The first letter of the place of issue “Stockholm” is mentioned towards the left of the Lesser Coat of Arms. Towards the right of the Lesser Coat of arms are the initials of the Governor of the Riksbank, Stefan Ingves.

The specifications of this coin are:

Colour: Copper; Metal composition: Copper plated steel which is set to a core of steel with a thin outer layer of copper; Weight: 3.60 gms; Diameter: 19.50 mm; Thickness: 1.79 mm; Edge: milled; Designer: Ernst Nordin.


The above One Krona coins are from my collection from the Series of coins issued between 1976 and 2000.

On the Obverses of the above old one Krona coins, are depicted a portrait of King Carl XVI Gustaf in profile and the year of minting “1978” and “1989”. These coins carry the inscription “CARL XVI GUSTAF SVERIDGE” (meaning “Carl XVI Gustaf Sweden).
                             Reverses of the above two coins

On the Reverses of the above old one Krona coins is seen the lesser Coat of arms below a Royal crown. There is King Carl XVI Gustaf’s motto – “For Sverige – I tiden” (meaning “For Sweden – With the times”) above and the text “1 KRONA” below.
The first letter of the place of issue “Eskilstuna” (E) appear on the bottom  left     periphery   and        the Governor of the Riksbank’s initial “U”      and,     then again, “D” appear on the right hand side.  







Links:

1) Mint of Finland: Provincial coins issued in 2010 and 2011 commemorating the cultures/traditions of the nint historic provinces which ceased to be Administrative Regions in 1634

2) Currency of Denmark: Krone and Ore (Part I): Historical Development of Coinage in Denmark

2 comments:

  1. Ramchandra Lalingkar has commented:
    "............The security features of the Banknotes have been considerably improved for providing better protection against counterfeiting and to “raise the bar” for potential counterfeiters. " - Our Government should also introduce such features. Very good information.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lalingkar sahab, Reserve Bank of India has come out with some new security features in the higher Rs.100/- Rs.500/- and Rs. 1000/- denominations. One of the collectors in my circle has got a few new Rs.500/- banknotes today. With the ascending serial numbers, these improvements seem good enough for the time being. These notes will be available to all users within two/three months at the most. The present Indian Government and RBI Governor are constantly experimenting to improve identification of banknotes by the visually challenged persons and improving Banknote security features. Let us see how things develop.

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