Denmark's coin series

The coin series comprises six denominations: 50 øre, and 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 kroner. The number of coins is based on tradition, but is supported by surveys of the most suitable number of coins in a well-functioning series.

Link between size and denomination
The present coin series was introduced over a period of four years – from 1989 to 1993. There was a need for comprehensive reform of the coin series at that time, since there was no longer any logical relation between the physical size and denomination of the individual coins.

Ongoing adjustment of the coin series
Since its introduction the present coin series has undergone various changes such as new portraits of Queen Margrethe and a new version of the motif on the reverse of the 10- and 20-krone, latest in 2011.
As from the mint year 2002 the initials on the Danish coins have been removed since their significance was not common knowledge and they disturbed the overall impression of the coins.

Colour scheme
The design of the coin series is intended to ensure that the coins are easy to distinguish from each other:

The series is therefore divided into three sequences, each with its own metal colour. This division into colours has its roots in history. In earlier times, the value of the coins was equivalent to the value of the metal from which they were minted: gold was used for the coins of the highest denominations, silver for the next-highest, and copper for the lowest coin denominations. This correlation between colour and value has been retained in the present coin series. The 50-øre coins are thus minted from copper-coloured bronze, the 1-, 2- and 5-krone coins from a silver-coloured cupro-nickel alloy, and the 10- and 20-krone coins from golden aluminium bronze.

The coins differ in terms of size, weight and rim. Within each sequence the diameter and weight of the coins increase with their value. The 50-øre and 10-krone coins have smooth rims, while the rims of the 1- and 5-krone coins are milled. The rims of the 2- and 20-krone coins have interrupted milling. The 1-, 2- and 5-krone coins have a hole in the middle. Use of these various characteristics makes it easy for the blind and sight-impaired to tell the coins apart.