The Swedish krona has a rich history, with roots tracing back to the Scandinavian Monetary Union and the gold standard of the late 19th century. These gold and silver Swedish coins reflect Sweden’s economic and royal legacy in gold and silver and feature classic European designs.
What is a Swedish Krona?
The Swedish krona (plural: kronor) was introduced in 1873 as part of the Scandinavian Monetary Union coinage, which replaced the riksdaler. It had a fixed exchange rate pegged to gold, and the krona carried between 4 and 8.9 grams of gold, while the silver krona was produced with 7.5 to 15 grams of silver. This standard ensured the shared currency among the participating nations—Sweden, Denmark, and Norway— was stable.
Early gold coins in the krona series included 10 and 20-kronor denominations featuring portraits of reigning monarchs and the Swedish coat of arms. Conversely, early silver krona were denominated as 1, 2, and 5-kronor coins and had similar designs.
Gold Krona Coins
Gold Krona had a composition of 90% gold and 10% copper.
10 Kronor – Carl XV (1873-1879)
The 10-kronor gold coin of King Carl XV marked the early years of the krona’s introduction. Coins from 1873—the year the monetary union began—are particularly prized.
- Weight: 4.48 grams
- Features: Portrait of King Carl XV on the obverse and the Swedish coat of arms on the reverse.
20 Kronor – Oscar II (1873-1902)
Oscar II’s 20-kronor gold coin is a cornerstone of Swedish coin collecting. The 1876 issue had a low mintage of only 25,750 coins, and is among the rarest and most valuable.
- Weight: 8.96 grams
- Features: Portrait of King Oscar II on the obverse and the Swedish coat of arms on the reverse.
10 Kronor – Oscar II (1873-1907)
Smaller than the 20-kronor, Oscar II’s 10-kronor gold coins are a popular choice for collectors due to their elegant design and manageable size.
- Weight: 4.48 grams
- Features: Portrait of King Oscar II on the obverse and the Swedish coat of arms on the reverse.
20 Kronor – Gustaf V (1908-1925)
The transition to Gustaf V’s reign introduced new 20-kronor coins with a refined design. Coins from 1925, the final year of this series, hold significant appeal for collectors.
- Weight: 8.96 grams
- Features: Portrait of King Gustaf V on the obverse and the Swedish coat of arms on the reverse.
Silver Krona Coins
Silver krona were produced with a composition of 80% silver, which changed to 40% by the mid-twentieth century. The balance was composed of copper.
1 Krona – Oscar II (1875-1907)
These coins are notable for their lengthy stint in circulation, making them both historically valuable.
- Composition: 80% silver
- Weight: 7.5 grams
- Features: Portrait of King Oscar II on the obverse and the Swedish coat of arms on the reverse.
2 Kronor – Oscar II (1876-1907)
The 2-kronor coins feature subtle variations, such as differences in date size and various mintmarks.
- Composition: 80% silver
- Weight: 15 grams
- Features: Portrait of King Oscar II on the obverse and the Swedish coat of arms on the reverse.
1 Krona – Gustaf V (1942-1950)
These coins reflect Sweden’s adjustments during the mid-20th century, when silver content was reduced due to economic shifts.
- Composition: 40% silver
- Weight: 7 grams
- Features: Portrait of King Gustaf V on the obverse and the Swedish coat of arms on the reverse.
5 Kronor – Carl XVI Gustaf (1976-1981)
More modern silver issues like the 5-kronor pieces of Carl XVI Gustaf mark a transitional period in Swedish coinage.
- Composition: 40% silver
- Weight: 15 grams
- Features: Portrait of King Carl XVI Gustaf on the obverse and the Swedish coat of arms on the reverse.
Starting a Krona Coin Collection
Research and Goals
As with any other coin collection, it’s essential to first determine your goals and budget. Whether you want to collect one of each type and design or to gather as many as you can find, the more clear your goal is, the greater your success will be.
Begin by identifying a focus for your collection that works toward your goal—gold coins from a particular reign, silver denominations, or coins from specific years. Online resources, coin catalogs, and auction results can guide your research.
Learn Mint Marks and Variations
Using reference and history books, gather as much information as you can about the mints that produced krona and the variations that have been identified. Several Swedish mints like the Stockholm and Sundsvall mints, produced gold and silver kronor.
Identify Specific Coins
If you are collecting gold krona, consider issues from various reigns like those of Carl XV, Gustaf V, and Oscar II. Similarly, if your goal is to collect silver krona, the 1 and 2 kronor produced under Oscar II and Gustaf V are valuable issues.
Preservation and Display
If you collect silver krona, store your silver coins in PVC-free coin albums or holders to protect your collection from damage. Cotton gloves are necessary for handling coins without transferring oils or dirt. Keep your collection free from moisture, heat, and sunlight.
Join Communities
Participate in coin collecting forums and local clubs to exchange knowledge, tips, and opportunities to trade or purchase coins. Online platforms are invaluable for connecting with other collectors, especially those with a focus on foreign coins like the Swedish krona.
Authenticity Matters
When acquiring rare or valuable coins, ensure authenticity by purchasing from reputable dealers or having coins certified by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
