Currency Today : Sweden 3

On this third post on the current Swedish banknotes, I am presenting the second highest denomination, the 500 crowns note (€ 50)

This set is dedicated to Swedish artist. On this 500 crowns note, we find Birgit Nilsson (1918-2005).

Birgit Nilsson (M.i.&a.) was a Swedish opera singer, who was born and died on the southern province of Skåne Iän, as depicted on the map on the reverse side of the note.

500 Swedish crowns (€ 50)

Skåne Iän

The M.i.&a. behind her name stands for the Medal 'ingenio et arti' (medal of science and art).In 1973, she was honoured by the Danish Queen Margrethe II - as a 'Thank you for the music'.

Medal "Ingenio et arti"

Since 2009, an opera award baring her name, is given to artists with meritorious achievements in the opera scene.

500 Swedish crowns - reverse

On the reverse side, we see a famous brigde, the Øresundsbroen (DK), Öresundsbron (SE) - or the Oresundbrigde (EN). This bridge connects the Swedish city of Malmö with the Danish city of Copenhagen. The bridge was built between 1995 and 1999.

If you ever visit Sweden or Denmark, this remarkable landmark, is a must to cross between the two countries, and 'mamma mia', what a view.

Oresund Bridge beween Sweden and Denmark

Currently I don't have the 1000 Swedish crowns - note in my collection, but if anyone would ask me who's willing to accept one, 'I do, I do, I do'.

Currency Today : Sweden 2

In this second part on Sweden's banknotes, I will present you the 100 and 200 crowns.

On the 100 crowns' note, a mysterious, dreamy face appears. "Angel Eyes" maybe?
We recognise Greta Garbo (1905-1990). Garbo was born in Stockholm and was known as a movie star in the 20's and 30's of the 20th century. Among her roles was that of "dancing Queen" Mata Hari, and the also mysterious Queen Christina (of Sweden).
After the second World War, she lived a more hidden life, as she appeared to be unsociable and/ or shy. She refused a marriage with the famous actor Nils Asther, and there were rumours about her sexuality.
Although she appeared in over 30 movies, she stayed almost 50 years out of the spotlights, until she died in New York in 1990.

100 Swedish crowns - Greta Garbo

back side 100 Swedish crowns

The reverse side of the banknote, gives us a view on Stockholm and indicated is the city hall.

Stockholm

city hall of Stockholm

The 200 Swedish crowns (about € 20), depicts the filmmaker Ingmar Bergman (1918-2007).
Berman directed about 40 movies, dealing mainly with the heavyness of life, regligion, and other existential questions. 'When all is said and done, ..."
He considered film making as the 7th art, away from pleasure for pleasure alone, films were supposed to deal with the meaning of life, and people finally facing their 'Waterloo'.

200 Swedish crowns (€ 20)

On the reverse side, we don't see Bergman's birthplace Uppsala, but the island where he died in 2007.  Fårö is the smaller island located on the north east of the island Gotland. Bergmans called the island his 'home' - not too difficult if you know the place has only about 600 people.

reverse side 200 Swedis crowns - Fårö

Gotland with Fårö in the north

Fårö (Gotland - Sweden)

More to follow

Currency Today : Sweden 1

For the next set of banknotes, we go up north, to Sweden.

We know Sweden has a long tradition of great performers and great designers - as you all think of Hugo Hasslo and Anders Beckman...  or was it ABBA and Ikea®?
OK, i promise not to mention ABBA nor Ikea® in this article.

So let's go to the Money, Money, Money.

When it comes to banknotes, both skills are integrated.
Swedish banknotes are portraiting Sweden's finest artists and performers, and have a very pleasant design.

There are currently 6 bankotes in circulation in Sweden : 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Kronor (crowns).

A closer look :

20 Swedish crowns (€ 2)

On the front side, we see the warm and gentle face of Astrid Lindgren (1907 - 2002).

Lindgren was born in Smaland (not the childrens' corner in that furniture shop! in the province of Götaland (indicated in purple on the reverse side of the note). And although she created many characters in her books, one in particular became world famous : Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshate Mackrelmint Ephraim's Daughter Longstocking (or Pippi Longstocking as we say).

In the detail we see Pippi and and extract from the book's text. Underneath we find microtext behind the 3 crowns : 'sveriges bank' / 'bank of Sweden'.
On the back side of the note, a map of Sweden and a nature scene of Götaland.

reverse side of 20 Swedish crowns

For the 50 crowns note, Evert A. Taube (1890-1976) is depicted. Taube was a Swedish singer-songwriter. The banknotes is a 'thank you for the music' for sure.

50 Swedish crown (€ 5)

On the reverse side of the note, we see Göteborg indicated. Taube's birthplace.

reverse side 50 Swedish crowns

As it is close to the sea, we see a boat on the front side, and a pictogram of a boat on the back side.

security mark 50 crowns

Higher denominations, will follow in my next article.