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The 10-krone coin was put into circulation on 3 July 1989.
The portrait of the Queen
The dominating decoration of the 10-krone coin is a portrait of the Queen, in keeping with the tradition for the highest values of the Danish coin series. The most recent portrait is by the Sculptor Professor Mogens Møller and has been used on coins minted since 2001. The portrait is changed from time to time to ensure a contemporary portrait which is as close a likeness as possible. Two different portraits of the Queen have previously been used in the present coin series. The two portraits were by respectively Sculptress Hanne Varming (used in 1989-93) and Medallist Jan Petersen (used in 1994-99). No 10-krone coins were minted in 2000.
Below the portrait is the year of minting. There is also a small heart, the mint mark. This is a symbol showing the place of minting, the Royal Danish Mint. The use of the heart is a century-old tradition, originally indicating the mint master, later the place of minting. Today the mint mark serves no practical purpose, since Danish coins are only minted in one place.
The small coat of arms on the reverse
The reverse of the 10-krone coin depicts the small coat of arms. It comprises three lions and nine hearts under one crown. The three crowned lions have been used by Danish kings for the last 800 years. In the 16th century the number of hearts was set at nine. The hearts may not be hearts at all, but heraldic lily leaves (floating hearts) which in turn may be derived from linden leaves. The crown rests on four oak leaves that help to emphasise the connection between the lions and the crown. The reverse of the 10-krone coin is likewise designed by the Sculptor, Professor Mogens Møller and is used for coins minted as from 2004.
Technical specifications
The 10-krone coin is of aluminium bronze. The coin has a diameter of 23.35 mm, weighs 7.0 g, a thickness of 2,30 mm, and has a smooth rim.
Previous versions
The shown versions of previously issued 20-krone coins in the present coin series are still legal tender.
The portrait is changed from time to time to ensure a contemporary portrait which is as close a likeness as possible. Two different portraits of the Queen have previously been used in the present coin series. The two portraits are by respectively the Sculptress Hanne Varming (used in 1989-93) and the Medallist Jan Petersen (used in 1994-99).
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