What is the smallest Danish coin, and is the øre still used?
The last øre coin
Short answer
The smallest Danish coin in use is the 50-øre coin, the only coin in øre left in the set. It is made of tin bronze, measures 21.5 mm and weighs 4.3 g, with a smooth edge. It shows the crown of Christian V and has had the same design since 1989, because it has no symbol of the monarch. No new 50-øre coins were minted with the 2025 coin series, but it is still part of the coin set.
Why
- The 50 øre has the year at the top.
- Its back shows the value and a heart mint mark.
- The 25 øre is not part of today's coin set.
Details
In the 1989 coin series the 25-øre was the lowest value; it had a hole from 1966.
Tip
You can spot a 50-øre coin by its smooth edge, the crown on the front and no hole.
What may differ
Coins can be withdrawn by law, as the 1- and 2-øre coins were in 1973.
Common misconception
The 50-øre coin was replaced by a new design with King Frederik X.
What actually happens
The 50 øre kept its design, since it carries no monarch motif.
People also ask
- Which coins are used in Denmark?
- Why do Danish coins have a hole?
- When was the Danish krone introduced?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Payment rules, limits and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.
Practical infoRelated questions
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What is the Danish Payments Council?
The Danish Payments Council is a forum for cooperation on retail payments in Denmark, set up by Danmarks Nationalbank in 2012.
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Can you pay by card in Denmark if the payment system goes down?
Often yes.
-
When did Apple Pay and Google Pay come to Denmark?
Apple Pay was launched in Denmark in 2017, Google Pay in 2018 and Samsung Pay in 2022.
-
How much of Danish card spending is online?
In 2025 e-commerce accounted for 30 % of total card turnover in Denmark, up from 22 % in 2019.

