Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 10 Kroner 2005, KM# 900, Denmark, Margrethe II, 200th Anniversary of Birth of Hans Christian Andersen, Fairy Tales - Little Mermaid
  • 10 Kroner 2005, KM# 900, Denmark, Margrethe II, 200th Anniversary of Birth of Hans Christian Andersen, Fairy Tales - Little Mermaid
Description

Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875) was a Danish author. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, he is best remembered for his literary fairy tales.

Andersen's fairy tales, consisting of 156 stories across nine volumes, have been translated into more than 125 languages. They have become culturally embedded in the West's collective consciousness, readily accessible to children but presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well. His most famous fairy tales include "The Emperor's New Clothes", "The Little Mermaid", "The Nightingale", "The Steadfast Tin Soldier", "The Red Shoes", "The Princess and the Pea", "The Snow Queen", "The Ugly Duckling", "The Little Match Girl", and "Thumbelina". His stories have inspired ballets, plays, and animated and live-action films.

Obverse

Depicts a fourth portrait of the Queen Margrethe II facing right wearing a familiar drop pearl tiara.

Between Margrethe II and Danmarks Dronning is a small heart. The heart (♥) is the Royal Danish Mint mark (h, Copenhagen). 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.

Engraver: Mogens Møller

MARGRETHE II ♥ DANMARKS DRONNING
2005

Reverse

Depicts a mermaid looking toward the shore.

"The Little Mermaid" (Danish: Den lille havfrue) is a literary fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen. The story follows the journey of a young mermaid who is willing to give up her life in the sea as a mermaid to gain a human soul. The tale was first published in 1837 as part of a collection of fairy tales for children. It has been adapted to various media, including musical theatre, anime, ballet, opera, and film. There is also a statue portraying the mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark, where the story was written and first published.

Engraver: Tina Maria Nielsen

H.C.ANDERSEN 1805-2005
10 KRONER

Edge

10 Kroner

4th portrait
KM# 900 Schön# 122
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Aluminium Bronze
Weight 7 g
Diameter 23.35 mm
Thickness 2.3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Danish Mint

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