Basic Country Data:
Country ISO Code: DK
Official Language: Danish
Language ISO Code: da
Current Official Currency: Danish krone
Current Currency ISO Code: DKK
ISO Code: DKK
Singular Name: krone
Plural Name: kroner
Monetary Subdivision: 1 krone = 100 øre
Subdivision Name Singular and Plural: øre
Initial Production Date: coins minted since the 17th century; krone officially adopted in 1873
Final Production Date: ongoing
Initial Circulation Date: 1873 (as Denmark’s official currency)
Final Circulation Date: currently in circulation
Mint: Den Kongelige Mønt (Royal Danish Mint)
Issuing Bank: Danmarks Nationalbank (National Bank of Denmark)
Coin Denominations: 50 øre, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 kroner
Banknote Denominations: 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 kroner
Designs / Symbols:
Coins feature distinct metallic colors by denomination: gold-colored for higher values, silver-colored for mid values, and copper-colored for lower values, reflecting historical metal-value relations.
Coins and banknotes display symbols of the Danish monarchy, including Christian V’s crown, the monogram and effigy of Queen Margrethe II, and the Danish coat of arms.
Banknotes depict important historical and cultural figures such as writer Karen Blixen, composer Carl Nielsen, actress Johanne Luise Heiberg, physicist Niels Bohr, and artists Anna and Michael Ancher.
Economic Historical Context:
Introduced in 1873 as part of the Scandinavian Monetary Union.
The krone is a stable currency; Denmark has not adopted the euro despite EU membership.
The term øre derives from Latin, meaning “gold.”
Curiosities:
Coins vary in size, weight, and edge design to aid identification, including for visually impaired users.
Commemorative coins are issued for special royal family events.
Current Circulation Status: active and widely used in Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands.
Issuing Authority: National Bank of Denmark
Relevant Legislation: regulations of Danmarks Nationalbank and national laws.
Signatories on Banknotes: governors of the National Bank of Denmark.
Persons Honored: renowned Danish historical and cultural personalities.
This report provides a complete financial history of Denmark, highlighting the Danish krone as the official currency since the 19th century, its characteristics, cultural symbols, and current status.