Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Krona 1957-1975, KM# 12a, Iceland
  • 1 Krona 1957-1975, KM# 12a, Iceland
Obverse

Icelandic coat of arms surrounded by the four traditional protector spirits ("Landvættir") of Iceland.

The coat of arms of Iceland displays a silver-edged, red cross on blue shield. This alludes to the design of the flag of Iceland. The supporters are the four protectors of Iceland (landvættir) standing on a pahoehoe lava block. The bull (Griðungur) is the protector of northwestern Iceland, the eagle or griffin (Gammur) protects northeastern Iceland, the dragon (Dreki) protects the southeastern part, and the rock-giant (Bergrisi) is the protector of southwestern Iceland. Great respect was given to these creatures of Iceland, so much that there was a law during the time of the Vikings that no ship should bear grimacing symbols (most often dragonheads on the bow of the ship) when approaching Iceland. This was so the protectors would not be provoked unnecessarily.

1975

Reverse

Face value at the center and leaves of downy birch, to left and right.

Betula pubescens (syn. Betula alba), commonly known as downy birch and also as moor birch, white birch, European white birch or hairy birch, is a species of deciduous tree, native and abundant throughout northern Europe and northern Asia, growing farther north than any other broadleaf tree.

Downy birch extends farther north into the Arctic than any other broadleaf tree. Specimens of the subarctic populations are usually small and very contorted, and are often distinguished as arctic downy birch or mountain birch. This variety is notable as being one of very few trees native to Iceland and Greenland, and is the only tree to form woodland in Iceland.

ÍSLAND
1
KRÓNA

Edge

1 Krona

KM# 12a Schön# 16a
Characteristics
Material Nickel Brass
Weight 4.75 g
Diameter 22.5 mm
Thickness 1.5 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mints
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)
Royal Mint

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