Norway’s union-era silver crown, struck at Kongsberg with Oscar II’s bare-head portrait and the motto “Broderfolkenes Vel” — the Norwegian spelling of the same “welfare of the brother peoples” motto on Swedish coinage. Low mintages (25,000 for several dates) make this one of the toughest Scandinavian silver crowns to complete by date. NGC notes that official restrikes exist in gold, silver, and bronze — buy the business strikes, not the restrikes.
Key facts
- Silver, .800 fine; weight 15 g; diameter 31 mm; ASW 0.3858 oz (Heritage/NGC data for KM359).
- Struck 1878–1904; first year 1878 had a mintage of 300,000, while the 1885, 1887, and 1888 issues each record only 25,000 (NGC/NumisMaster).
- Obverse legend “OSCAR II NORGES o. SVER. KONGE” with “BRODERFOLKENES VEL”; reverse: crowned arms within wreath, crossed hammers dividing the date.
- NGC notes restrikes were made by the Royal Mint of Norway in gold, silver, and bronze — authentication/grading note: certified examples and careful attribution matter for this type.