Denmark: Commemorative 20 Kroner Accession Coins For New King Frederik X Launched

Following a long-standing tradition of coins which features past and present monarch, the new coins will feature an effigy of the new King Frederik X who succeeded his mother Queen Margrethe II on the 14^th January. The Queen surprised her country when she announced she would pass the crown to her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik early in the new year during her Christmas speech in 2023. Queen Margrethe II had been Denmark’s crowned head of state since the death of her father, King Frederik IX on the 14^th January 1972. Her reign of fifty two years exactly is the longest in Danish history. However, King Christian IV reigned for over 59 years between 1588 and 1648, but he was not officially invested until 1596, ruling under a regency for eight years. Queen Margrethe II was the first Danish monarch to voluntarily abdicate since King Eric III in 1146. Since September 2022, Margrethe II was Europe's longest-reigning monarch, the world's only Queen regnant, and the longest-serving incumbent female head of state.

With the Queen signing her declaration of abdication, Crown Prince Frederik who had been her heir apparent since her own accession in 1972 when he was not quite four years old instantly became the country’s new King as Frederik X. The-then Crown Prince Frederik married Miss Mary Donaldson from Tasmania, Australia in May 2004 who became Denmark’s Queen-Consort on the day of her husband’s accession. The couple have four children and the new King’s heir is his eldest son, 18 year old Crown Prince Christian.

The design of the new accession coin follows the custom of previous releases for the royal theme, as one side features an effigy of the new monarch on the obverse and the reverse side includes the last effigy used for the previous monarch. In this case, the new right-facing portrait of HM King Frederik X is surrounded by the legend FREDERIK X · DANMARKS KONGE · 2024 placed along the rim. The motto of the King chosen after his accession FORBUNDNE · FORPLIGTET · FOR KONGERIGET DANMARK (United, Committed, for the Kingdom of Denmark) is shown between the effigy and legend. Below the King’s image is a heart mintmark now denoting the National Bank and the initials K and J referencing the last names of the official mintmaster, Chief Cashier Niels Kaas and Head of Design Jeanette Skov Jensen.

The reverse side includes the sixth and last effigy of HM Queen Margrethe II which was introduced onto Danish circulation coinage in 2023. Surrounding her likeness is her legend MARGRETHE II · DANMARKS DRONNING along with the dates of her reign 14 JANUAR 1972 and 14 JANUAR 2024 placed between her effigy and legend. Below the Queen’s portrait is the coins’ denomination 20 KRONER. Both portraits were created by sculptor Eva Hjorth and the coin was designed by the National bank's Head of Design, Jeanette Skov Jensen.

Of the six current denominations of 50 ore to 20 Kroner coins, only the 10 and 20 Kroner denominations bear an effigy of the reigning monarch with the 5, 2 and 1 Krone coins bearing the monarch’s personal monogram. All Danish coins and banknotes also circulate in Greenland and the Faeroe Islands with Faeroese banknotes being equal in value. Since 2017, circulation and commemorative coins have been produced by the Mint of Finland at their facilities in Vantaa. Circulation quality coinage featuring the effigy and monogram of HM King Frederik X are expected to be released during the second half of 2025.

It is expected that the National Bank will authorise the release of commemorative proof quality 20 Kroner versions, silver and possibly gold coins marking the King’s accession later in 2025.

Collectors internationally can inquire about purchasing the commemorative coin from the distributors NordFrim and by visiting their e-webshop.