Commemorative coin to celebrate Selma Lagerlöf

The Riksbank will issue two commemorative coins in 2008 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Selma Lagerlöf. The coins will be presented by Chairman of the General Council Johan Gernandt at a ceremony held at the National Library of Sweden, Stockholm, on Thursday 13 March at 10.00 am.

The obverse side of the coin carries a portrait of Selma Lagerlöf, based on a photograph from Mårbacka, her childhood home. The reverse of the 2 000-krona coin shows a sunflower, symbolising her interest in nature. The reverse of the 200-krona coin has a motif of flying geese. There are also quotations from her works on the coins.

The commemorative coins are issued in gold, with the denomination SEK 2 000 and in silver with the denomination SEK 200. The coins will be issued in a limited edition of 5 000 gold coins and 50 000 silver coins.

The coins are designed by Jon Holm and minted by AB Myntverket in Eskilstuna.

The coins can be ordered from 14 March from AB Myntverket via the company’s website www.myntverket.se, by telephone +46 16 42 81 00 or by fax +46 16 42 81 20. Distribution of the coins will begin in mid-April. The price, including VAT and administration costs, is SEK 3,000 for the gold coin and SEK 300 for the silver coin. There is an additional charge for postage.

For further information and pictures of the coins, see the Riksbank’s website www.riksbank.se and click on “Notes and coins”.