Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 2 Kroner 1915-1916, KM# 820, Denmark, Christian X
  • 2 Kroner 1915-1916, KM# 820, Denmark, Christian X
Description

Christian X (1870–1947) was the King of Denmark from 1912 to 1947 and the only king of Iceland (where the name was officially Kristján X), between 1918 and 1944. In spite of becoming unpopular due to his resistance to democracy, during the German Occupation of Denmark he did become a popular symbol of resistance to German occupation, particularly because of the symbolic value of the fact that he rode every day through the streets of Copenhagen unaccompanied by guards. He also became the subject of a persistent urban legend according to which, during Nazi occupation, he donned the Star of David in solidarity with the Danish Jews. With a reign spanning two world wars, and his role as a rallying symbol for Danish national sentiment during the German Occupation, he has become one of the most popular Danish monarchs of modern times.

Obverse

Head of Christian X right with initials AH at neck, date, mint mark and initials VBP below.

The heart (♥) is the Royal Danish Mint mark. The use of the heart is a century-old tradition, originally indicating the mint master, later the place of minting. Today, the mint mark serves no practical purpose since Danish coins are minted in only one place.

The mint officials' initials: VBP: Vilhelm Buchard Poulsen (1893-1918).

Moneyer's initials: AH: Andreas Frederik Vilhelm Hansen (1908-1924).

CHRISTIAN X KONGE AF DANMARK
AH
♥ 1916 VBP

Reverse

Crowned royal arms, porpoise and barley stalk flanking, value below.

The national coat of arms of Denmark consists of three pale blue lions passant wearing crowns, accompanied by nine red lilypads (normally represented as hearts), all in a golden shield. It is historically the coat of arms of the House of Estridsen, the dynasty which provided the Kings of Denmark between 1047 and 1412. The current design was introduced in 1819, under Frederick VI. Previously, there had been no distinction between the "national" and the "royal" coat of arms. Since 1819, there has been a more complex royal coat of arms of Denmark (kongevåben) separate from the national coat of arms (rigsvåben).

The crown on the shield is a heraldic construction based on the crown of King Christian V. The sovereign's crown is the most important Royal and State symbol and represents national sovereignty. Since 1671 the crown of Christian V, which is kept at Rosenborg Palace, has been the Royal Danish crown. Made by Paul Kurtz in Copenhagen, 1670–1671. Gold with enamel and table-cut stones. Total weight 2080 g. Also 2 garnets and 2 sapphires, of which the largest dates back to Frederick I of Denmark.

Porpoises are a group of fully aquatic marine mammals that are sometimes referred to as mereswine. They are small toothed whales that are very closely related to oceanic dolphins. The most obvious visible difference between the two groups is that porpoises have shorter beaks and flattened, spade-shaped teeth distinct from the conical teeth of dolphins.

2 KRONER

Edge
Characteristics
Material Silver
Fineness 0.800
Weight 15 g
Diameter 31 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Danish Mint

Related coins

25th Anniversary of the Reign of King Christian IX

Silver, 15 g, ⌀ 31 mm
50th Wedding Anniversary of King Christian IX and Queen Louise

Silver, 15 g, ⌀ 31 mm
40th Anniversary of the Reign of King Christian IX

Silver, 15 g, ⌀ 31 mm