Obverse. Photo © Norges Bank
  • 20 Kroner 2024, Norway, Harald V, 750th Anniversary of the Magnus Lagabøtes Landslov
  • 20 Kroner 2024, Norway, Harald V, 750th Anniversary of the Magnus Lagabøtes Landslov
Description

Magnus Lagabøtes landslov ("Magnus Lagabøte's State Law"), enacted by King Magnus VI of Norway between 1274 and 1276, was a comprehensive legal code that extended across the entirety of Norway. This legislation marked a significant milestone as it was among the earliest instances of unified national law in Europe, emanating from a centralized authority. The appellation "Lagabøte," meaning "the one who improves the law," bestowed upon the king, stems from this pivotal legal reform.

Obverse

Depicts a portrait of King Harald V facing right, surrounded by the inscription "Harald V, king of Norway" above. The engraver's signature at the lower left edge of the portrait. The date of the issue with the initials of Norges Bank (NB) in the middle below.

Harald V (born 21 February 1937) has been the King of Norway since 1991. Harald was the only son of Olav V and Princess Märtha of Sweden and was the first Norwegian-born prince since Olav IV, who was born in 1370. He succeeded to the throne upon the death of his father on 17 January 1991.

Engraver: Ingrid Austlid Rise (IAR shown as J.R)

HARALD V • NORGES KONGE
J.R
20NB24

Reverse

Depicts a modern rendition of Magnus Lagabøte’s equestrian seal (1278) with a mounted king lifting a pair of scales. Twelve dots represent the members of the Court of Appeal. Inscribed along the edge of the coin is the text "Magnus Lagabøte’s legal code 750 years". The denomination and the engraver's signature below the horse.

Magnus Haakonsson (1238-1280) served as King of Norway, known as Magnus VI, from 1263 until 1280. He assumed the role of junior king in 1257. A significant accomplishment of his reign was the modernization and consolidation of Norwegian legal statutes, leading to his epithet as Magnus the Law-mender (Magnus Lagabøte). He was the first Norwegian monarch to adopt an ordinal number, initially designating himself as "IV".

Engraver: Michael Guilfoyle (MJG)

MAGNUS LAGABØTES LANDSLOV 750 ÅR
MJG
20 KR

Edge

20 Kroner

750th Anniversary of the Magnus Lagabøtes Landslov

KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Nickel Brass
Weight 9.9 g
Diameter 27.5 mm
Thickness 2.2 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Mint of Norway

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