Description

The obverse of the coin features the King facing right, with the lettering CHRISTIAN IX – KONGE AF DANMARK -1873 CS. The CS initials refer to Diderik Christian Andreas Svendsen; Coin Master at the mint in Copenhagen. A second set of initials can be found at the base of the King’s neck. This reads HC, which refers to the engraver Harald Conradsen.

The reverse side of the gold coin features Dania – the Latin for Denmark and a reference to the Germanic ‘Dani’ tribe that occupied the country in the Iron Age and Viking Age. 20 KRONER appears at the top of the coin, with a resting Dania below. In her right hand is a sceptre, while her left arm rests atop a shield with the Danish coat of arms on. A dolphin or porpoise is splashing at her feet, referring to Denmark’s affinity with the sea and its naval activities, while the corn behind her seat refers to the crop then being Denmark’s main export.

This coin is produced in medal alignment, so both sides match on a 180 degrees rotation of the coin.