Issue of commemorative coins in connection with the bicentennial of Henrik Wergeland's birth
In 2008 it will be 200 years since the birth of Norway’s national poet, Henrik Wergeland. To commemorate this event, Norges Bank will issue a special edition circulation coin and a silver commemorative coin.
Five artists were invited to take part in a contest concerning the design of the reverse of the coins. The winning motif was designed by Enzo Finger, and depicts Henrik Wergeland’s glasses and signature. The motif on the reverse of the coins will not be made public until the launch.
The obverse of both coins will feature the portrait of King Harald V that has been used on special edition circulation coins in recent years. The coin’s obverse has been designed by Ingrid Austlid Rise, a designer at Det Norske Myntverket AS (Mint of Norway).
The special edition circulation coin will be a 10-krone coin, while the silver commemorative coin will have a face value of NOK 200.
In connection with the issue of the coins, Norges Bank is collaborating with Wergeland 2008, a project on which the National Library, the Director General of the National Archives and the Eidsvoll 1814 foundation are working together. The project was commissioned by the Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs to plan and carry out the official anniversary celebrations.
It is planned issuing both coins in connection with the main celebration of the anniversary.
For further information, please contact Assistant Director Leif Veggum (Tel. +47 22 31 62 93) or Adviser Ragnhild L. Solberg (tel. +47 22 31 64 54).
Contact:
Press telephone: +47 21 49 09 30
Email: presse@norges-bank.no