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When was the Danish krone introduced?

From rigsdaler to krone

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Short answer

The Danish krone was introduced by the Coinage Act of 1873, which moved Denmark to the gold standard. The krone replaced the rigsdaler, and one rigsdaler was worth 2 kroner. From the mid-1870s Danish, Swedish and Norwegian kroner had the same gold value, so the coins could be used in all three countries. This Scandinavian Monetary Union in practice ended during the First World War, when exchange rates drifted too far apart.

Practical info

Why

  1. Before 1873 the unit was the rigsbankdaler.
  2. Rigsbanken from 1813 became Nationalbanken in 1818.
  3. Swedish and Norwegian kroner had the same gold value then.

Details

The 1- and 2-øre coins, made of zinc because of metal shortage, stopped being legal tender in 1973.

Tip

Danish coins as old as 1875 are still legal tender if they have a current value, so check old coins before you throw them away.

What may differ

Coin values can be taken out of use, as happened to the 1- and 2-øre coins in 1973.

Common misconception

The Danish, Swedish and Norwegian krone are still one shared currency.

What actually happens

The shared monetary union ended during the First World War; today they are three separate currencies.

People also ask

  • What currency does Denmark use?
  • Why do Danish coins have a hole?
  • Are old Danish coins still valid?

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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