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Are old Danish coins with Queen Margrethe still valid?

Coins do not expire like notes

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Short answer

Yes, coins with Queen Margrethe II remain legal tender. Unlike banknotes, all Danish coins issued since 1875 are valid if they have one of the current values: 50 øre or 1, 2, 5, 10 or 20 kroner. This includes commemorative and theme coins. New coins with King Frederik X went into circulation on 2 December 2025, and old and new coins are used side by side and can both be given as change.

Practical info

Why

  1. Coins carry the year they were minted.
  2. The 50 øre design is unchanged since 1989.
  3. Commemorative coins in current values count too.

Details

The 20-krone Passing of the Crown coin entered circulation on 1 November 2024.

Tip

If a coin looks odd, compare it with a coin you know is genuine; the police take in coins you suspect are fake.

What may differ

Coins in values that no longer exist, such as 1 and 2 øre, are not valid.

Common misconception

Coins with the old queen were withdrawn when King Frederik X took over.

What actually happens

Queen Margrethe coins are still legal tender and circulate alongside the new coins.

People also ask

  • Which coins are used in Denmark?
  • Why do Danish coins have a hole?
  • Can I still exchange old Danish banknotes?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Payment rules, limits and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.

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