Sveriges Riksbank issues commemorative coins to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the birth of Saint Birgitta

To commemorate the 700th anniversary of the birth of Saint Birgitta, the Riksbank is issuing a commemorative 200-krona coin in silver and a 2 000-krona coin in gold.

The prices of the coins have been set at SEK 250 and SEK 2 500, respectively.

The coins will be launched at the Birgitta exhibition at the Royal Coin Cabinet at 3 p.m., when Riksbank Governor Lars Heikensten will present the coins to the Royal Coin Cabinet, which is the national museum for coins, medals and the history of money. Press cards must be shown.

The obverse of both coins contain a representation of Saint Birgitta and carry the text "*1303 • BIRGITTA • 2003". Under this is found the artist's signature "EN". The reverse of the gold coin depicts the first letter in Saint Birgitta's name, B, in Gothic type and carrying the following text in clockwise direction "GAUDE BIRGITTA FILIA CAN-TICUM TIBI DEBETUR GLORIE" (approx. "Rejoice O daughter Birgitta, for you are worthy of glorious songs of praise").

The reverse of the silver coin depicts Birgitta's crown with its 5 points, on top of which is a cross and the same text as on the gold coin.

The Latin text on both coins has been taken from a hymn of praise from the Middle Ages. Both coins have a smooth edge.

The artist is Ernst Nordin, a well-known sculptor of coins and medals.

More information and pictures of the coins can be found on the Riksbank's website, http://www.riksbank.se/.

The coins can be ordered from Nordic Coin AB Svenska myntverket via their website at http://www.myntverket.se/ or by telephone on +46-16-42 81 00. Orders can also be pla-ced via the sales company Myntverket Moneta by telephone on +46-40-602 82 60 or through the Royal Coin Cabinet's shop at Slottsbacken 6.