Rare Norwegian coins: Norway’s most valuable dates and types
Which Norwegian coins are the rarest, and why? From Olav Kyrre's pennies and the archbishop's skillings to the Schydtz coins of 1689…
Carl XIV Johan
Norwegian coins of Carl XIV Johan (king 1818–1844): speciedaler 1835, 1/2 speciedaler 1844, 24 skilling 1819 and skilling coins from 1/2 to 4 skilling, including copper 2 skilling of the 1820s and 1830s. All examined, catalogued and guaranteed genuine.
- New
- Sold
Norway, speciedaler 1835
kr 12,000.00 Sold
About Carl XIV Johan
From French marshal to Norwegian king
Carl XIV Johan was born Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte in France and served as a marshal under Napoleon. He was elected Swedish crown prince in 1810 and was in practice the leading figure in the union from 1814. He became king of Sweden and Norway in 1818, was crowned in Nidaros Cathedral the same year, and reigned until his death in 1844. His reign was the formative period of the new Norwegian state, with a monetary system built around the speciedaler of 1816.
Denominations and coin types
One speciedaler was 120 skilling. The Kongsberg mint struck a wide range of values:
- Speciedaler and 1/2 speciedaler: large silver coins with the king’s portrait. The speciedaler weighs about 28.9 grams.
- 24 skilling 1819: one fifth of a speciedaler, struck only in 1819.
- 2 skilling: both large copper coins of around 19 grams from the 1820s and 1830s, and small, light coins of about 1.4 grams (1825 and 1842).
- 1/2, 1 and 4 skilling for everyday use.
What do collectors look for?
Copper coins are graded both for wear and for surface and colour. Planchet defects are noted on each coin, and they are not the same as damage. Overdates, such as the 1/2 skilling 1841/0, where the 1 is struck over a 0 on a reused die, are popular varieties. Coins graded by PCGS or similar are encapsulated with a stated grade. The large silver coins are sensitive to cleaning and edge damage.
What affects price?
Year, variant and condition. The same type can differ a great deal in value between Fine and Extremely Fine, and high-relief strikes with original surface are especially sought after.
See also Carl XIII, Oscar I and Norway 1814–1874.
Frequently asked questions
How many skilling were there in a speciedaler?
From 1816 one speciedaler was 120 skilling. A 24 skilling was therefore a fifth of a speciedaler, and the speciedaler was later converted at 4 kroner.
What does 1841/0 mean?
It is an overdate: the final 1 is struck over a 0, showing that a die from 1840 was reused and altered. Such varieties are listed separately in the catalogues.
Why are some 2 skilling coins so much lighter than others?
Two different coin types share the value. The large copper 2 skilling weighs around 19 grams, while the small 2 skilling coins of 1825 and 1842 weigh about 1.4 grams.
Are the items genuine?
Yes. Every item is researched and described as accurately as possible, and Denarius guarantees that everything sold is genuine and as described.
What is the protocol number?
Every item gets its own number when it is catalogued. The number is shown on the product page, so you always know exactly which example it is.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship worldwide. Shipping method and price are shown at checkout before you pay.
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