20 Kroner Denmark Christian IX Gold Coin | 1863 - 1906

20 Kroner, Christian IX

8.9606 g gross, 900 fine, holding 8.065 g of pure gold, 23 mm across — a little more gold than a Sovereign.

Struck to the Scandinavian Monetary Union standard agreed by Denmark and Sweden in 1873 and joined by Norway in 1875, which fixed a common krone across the three countries.

Specifications

A point about the dates

Christian IX reigned from 1863 to 1906, but the 20 Kroner did not exist for the whole of it. The denomination was created with the currency reform of 1873, and the Christian IX coins run from then to 1900. A coin dated in the 1860s does not exist in this denomination.

His successor Frederik VIII continued the series from 1908 to 1912, with a different portrait and a different reverse.

Obverse and reverse

The obverse carries the bust of Christian IX facing right, with CHRISTIAN IX KONGE AF DANMARK.

The reverse shows a seated figure of Denmark with the shield of three lions, a sheaf of grain and a dolphin, and the value 20 KRONER. Designed by Harald Conradsen.

Exactly 900, and why that matters

HMRC’s test for gold bullion is a fineness of not less than 900 thousandths. This coin is exactly 900. It clears the threshold, but with nothing to spare — a coin a shade below that line would attract VAT as a collectable rather than being treated as bullion gold.

VAT and UK capital gains tax

HMRC treats a coin minted after 1800 as bullion gold if it is at least 900 thousandths fine, is or has been legal tender in its country of origin, and normally sells at no more than 180 per cent of the open market value of its gold (VAT Notice 701/21A). The 20 Kroner is 900 fine, was Danish legal tender and is sold close to the gold price, so it meets all three tests.

Capital gains tax is a separate matter. The UK exemption follows sterling legal tender, so it covers Sovereigns and Britannias but not a Danish coin. This is a statement of the published rule, not tax advice — your own position depends on your circumstances.

Questions buyers ask

How much gold does it contain? 8.065 g of pure gold, slightly more than a full Sovereign.

What was the Scandinavian Monetary Union? An agreement of 1873 between Denmark and Sweden, joined by Norway in 1875, fixing a common gold krone across the three countries.

Which date will I receive? A mixed date from the 1873 to 1900 range, as available.

Is it exempt from UK capital gains tax? No. That exemption follows sterling legal tender.

Authenticity checked at GoldInvest24 before dispatch. Other sizes are on the historic gold coins page. Live quotes on the precious metals prices page.