2 kroner

When was the Norwegian 2 kroner coin struck?

The 2 kroner was the largest silver coin in the Norwegian krone system. It was first struck in 1878, a few years after Norway adopted the krone and joined the Scandinavian Monetary Union in October 1875. The coins weigh 15 grams, measure 31 mm and are struck in 800/1000 silver. The Oscar II type was made until 1904, and a new type for Haakon VII followed from 1908. The last 2 kroner for circulation is dated 1917; during the First World War metal was short, and small 1 and 2 kroner notes were issued instead.

The union coins of 1906 and 1907

After the union with Sweden was dissolved in 1905, a commemorative 2 kroner was issued in 1906. According to Norges Bank, the reverse was designed by the painter Gerhard Munthe and shows a tree with a chain of fourteen joined hands and an inscription marking Norway’s independence in 1905. The obverse shows the national arms within the chain of the Order of St. Olav. The first issue of 100,000 coins dated 1906 was not enough, so more were struck dated 1907, with small changes: a beaded border inside the rim on the reverse and slightly smaller arms. Collectors call the two versions large shield and small shield.

A third version, also dated 1907, adds two crossed rifles and a cavalry sabre on the reverse. It was given to the men who were mobilised for border guard duty in 1905. In 1914 a separate silver 2 kroner with Mother Norway marked the centenary of the Constitution, alongside the ordinary Haakon VII coins of that year.

What do collectors look for?

Large silver coins show handling clearly. Look at the high points of the arms and the tree, at edge knocks, and at the surfaces. Untouched coins with even, natural toning are preferred, while cleaned coins lose much of their appeal. For the union coins it is worth checking which version you have, and for coins in mint state the strike, lustre and patina decide. The Norwegian coins struck before 1874 are found under Norway 1814 – 1874.