Niels Bohr on new 20 kroner coin

On October 7th, Niels Bohr’s birthday, the Danish National Bank is issuing a new 20 kroner coin series with the theme ‘Great Danish scientists in physics and astronomy’ to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Niels Bohr’s atomic theory. The coins will be presented during a ceremony at 11:00 am on the 7th of October, Niels Bohr’s birthday, in the historic Auditorium A in the presence of the Minister for Research, Innovation and Higher Education, Morten Østergaard.

The theme series includes four coins. Niels Bohr is the key figure in the series that also includes H.C. Ørsted, Ole Rømer and Tycho Brahe. The four scientists were chosen because their discoveries were revolutionary for their time. The occasion is the 100th anniversary of Niels Bohr’s pioneering atomic model.

“With this coin series, the legacy of four of the most prominent Danish scientists will become a part of everyday life for a long time. The coin series is an excellent idea that is likely to stimulate many questions and discussions that help increase the awareness and understanding of science,” states John Renner Hansen, dean of Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen.

The Royal Mint has produced the coins in collaboration with staff at the Niels Bohr Institute. The motifs on the coins are:

• Niels Bohr’s atomic model with electrons orbiting a nucleus – 1913.
• H. C. Ørsted’s experiment demonstrating electromagnetism– 1820.
• Ole Rømer’s drawing describing the speed of light – 1675.
• Tycho Brahe’s constellation Cassiopeia, highlighting the star Stella Nova – 1572.

250.000 of each of the four coins will be manufactured for general use. In addition, 20 kroner coins in proof quality will be made for collectors. The proof 20 kroner coins can only be ordered for a limited time from 7 October to 18 October 2013 and only coins ordered during this period will be produced. The price is DKK 125 per coin and each customer can order a maximum of 3 coins of each design. 

The four coins will also be issued as 500 kroner silver coins. The silver coin is minted in 999 ‰ fine silver (Ag) with a diameter 38.0 mm and a weight of 31.1 g. The silver coin will be sold at the face value of DKK 500.

The coins can be purchased at www.kgl-moent.dk or by calling the Royal Danish Mint at: 4345-4011. The coins can also be purchased in some banks, from certain coin dealers as well as at the Danish National Bank, Havnegade 5, 1093 Copenhagen C. Opening hours are Monday-Friday from 10:00-13:00.