Icelandic króna
króna ( Jon Sigurdsson | |
---|---|
ISO 4217 | |
Code | ISK (numeric: 352) before 1980: ISJ |
Unit | |
Unit | króna |
Plural | krónur |
Symbol | kr |
Denominations | |
Subunit | |
1⁄100 | eyrir |
Plural | |
eyrir | aurar |
Symbol | |
eyrir | a |
Banknotes | 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 króna |
Coins | 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 króna |
Demographics | |
User(s) | Iceland |
Issuance | |
Central bank | Central Bank of Iceland |
Printer | De La Rue |
The króna ]
Name
Like the
The name "Icelandic crown" is sometimes used alternatively, for example in the financial markets.
First krona, 1874–1981
The Danish krone was introduced to Iceland in 1874, replacing the earlier Danish currency, the rigsdaler. In 1885, Iceland began issuing its own banknotes.
The Icelandic krona separated from the Danish krone after the dissolution of the Scandinavian Monetary Union at the start of World War I and Icelandic sovereignty from Denmark in 1918. The first coins were issued in 1922.
Iceland was forced to devalue the Icelandic krona in 1922, by 23% against the Danish krone, which saw the beginning of an independent monetary policy in Iceland, and was to be the first of many subsequent devaluations of the krona.[2]
In 1925 the krona was pegged to the
Coins
Iceland's first coins were 10 and 25 aurar pieces introduced in 1922. These were followed in 1925 by 1 krona and 2 krona pieces and in 1926 by 1, 2 and 5 aurar pieces. In 1946, the coins' designs were altered to remove the royal monogram (CXR), following Icelandic independence from Denmark in 1944.
Starting in 1967, new coins were introduced due to a considerable fall in the value of the krona. 10 krona coins were introduced in that year, followed by 50 aurar and 5 krona pieces in 1969 and 50 krona pieces in 1970.
Banknotes
The first notes issued in 1885 by the Landssjóður Íslands were in denominations of 5, 10 and 50 krona. In 1904, the Bank of Iceland (Íslands Banki) took over note production and introduced 100 krona notes. In 1921, the Ríkissjóður Íslands began issuing paper money, with notes for 1, 5, 10 and 50 krona.
In 1928, another bank, the
In 1961, the Seðlabanki Íslands became the central bank of Iceland and started issuing paper money, in denominations of 10, 25, 100, and 500 krona. They were manufactured in England by De la Rue.
Second krona, 1981–present
In 1981, the Icelandic krona was revalued, due to high inflation, with 100 old krona (ISJ) being worth 1 new krona (ISK) and a new 500 krona banknote was first put into circulation in 1981. The 1000 krona was put into circulation in 1984 and the 5000 krona in 1986. The 2000 krona banknote was put into circulation in 1995 but never became very popular. The 10,000 krona banknote was put into circulation in 2013.
Coins of less than one krona have not circulated for many years. In September 2002, Davíð Oddsson, the Icelandic Prime Minister at the time, signed two regulations decreeing that all monetary amounts on invoices and financial claims should be stated and paid in whole krona only and that coins with a value of less than one krona should be withdrawn from circulation. In 2007, the eyrir formally ceased to exist as a subunit of the Icelandic króna.
Coins
In 1981, coins were introduced in denominations of 5, 10 and 50 aurar (cents), 1 krona and 5 krona. These were followed by 10 krona pieces in 1984, 50 krona in 1987 and 100 krona in 1995. Since 2003, Icelandic banks no longer accept any coins denominated in aurar (cents).[4]
Currently circulating coins[5] | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Value | Technical parameters | Description | Issued since | |||||||
Diameter | Thickness | Mass | Composition | Edge | Reverse | Obverse | ||||
1 kr. | 21.5 mm | 4.5 g (until 1989) 4.0 g (from 1989) |
Cupronickel 75% Cu, 25% Ni (until 1989) Nickel-plated steel (from 1989) |
Milled | Mountain giant | Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) | 1981 | |||
5 kr. | 24.5 mm | 6.5 g (until 1996) 5.6 g (from 1996) |
Cupronickel 75% Cu, 25% Ni (until 1996) Nickel-plated steel (from 1996) |
Land wights | Two short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis)
| |||||
10 kr. | 27.5 mm | 1.78 mm | 8.0 g (until 1996) 6.9 g (from 1996) |
Four capelin (Mallotus villosus) | 1984 | |||||
50 kr. | 23 mm | 2.6 mm | 8.25 g | Nickel brass 70% Cu, 24.5% Zn, 5.5% Ni |
Milled | Land wights | Shore crab (Carcinus maenas) | 1987 | ||
100 kr. | 25.5 mm | 2.25 mm | 8.5 g | Alternately plain and milled | Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus)
|
1995 | ||||
For table standards, see the coin specification table. |
Former circulating coins[6] | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Value | Technical parameters | Description | Issued since | Date of lapse | |||||||
Diameter | Thickness | Mass | Composition | Edge | Obverse | Reverse | |||||
5 a | 15 mm | 1.5 g | Bronze 97% Cu, 2.5% Zn, 0.5% Sn |
Plain | Bird | Common skate (Raja batis) | 1981 | 1 October 2004[4] | |||
10 a | 17 mm | 2.0 g | Bull | Cephalopoda )
| |||||||
50 a | 19.5 mm | 3 g (1981) 2.65 g (1986) |
Bronze 97% Cu, 2.5% Zn, 0.5% Sn (1981) Copper-plated steel (1986) |
Dragon | Shrimp (Pandalus borealis) | ||||||
For table standards, see the coin specification table. |
Banknotes
Icelandic banknotes are printed with the dates from which the legal basis of the currency derives. In 1981, notes were issued in denominations of 10, 50, 100 and 500 krona based on the law of 29 March 1961. 1000 krona notes were introduced in 1984, followed by 5000 krona notes in 1986 with the same law.
100, 500, and 1000 krona notes were reissued in 1994 under the law of 5 May 1986. In the following year, a new denomination of 2000 krona was issued for the first time. The 2000 krona note is subtly different from the other notes. For example, the underprint pattern extends all the way upward and downward, while the other denominations had white margins on every side. The number 2000 is printed in multi color for 3 of the 4 occurrences. And the numeral 2000 on the lower left corner of reverse is vertical. The "shadow" of the numeral is printed with SÍ in
The 22 May 2001 series, saw substantial changes. The underprint and microprint features of the 2000 krona note were extended to other denominations. The 1000 and 5000 krona notes also received metallic foils next to the portrait.
In 2013, a new 10000 krona banknote was introduced. The face of natural scientist and poet
Law of 29 March 1961 Series[8] | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Value | Dimensions | Main Colour | Description | Date of issue | ||
Front side | Back side | Watermark | ||||
10 krona | 130 × 70 mm | Blue | Arngrímur Jónsson the Learned | Old Icelandic household scene based on Auguste Mayer 's drawing
|
Jón Sigurðsson | 1981 |
50 krona | 135 × 70 mm | Brown | Guðbrandur Þorláksson | Printers at work in the 16th century | ||
100 krona | 140 × 70 mm | Green | Árni Magnússon | Monastic scribe | ||
500 krona | 145 × 70 mm | Red | Jón Sigurðsson | Jón at his writing desk | ||
1000 krona | 150 × 70 mm | Purple | Brynjólfur Sveinsson | Brynjólfskirkja church (1650–1802) at Skálholt | 1984 | |
5000 krona | 155 × 70 mm | Blue-green multicolour | Ragnheiður Jónsdóttir | Ragnheiður instructing two girls in embroidery | 1986 | |
Law of 5 May 1986 Series | ||||||
100 krona | As previous | 1994 | ||||
500 krona | ||||||
1000 krona | ||||||
2000 krona | 150 × 70 mm | Brown | Jóhannes Kjarval
|
Kjarval's painting Yearning for Flight and his drawing Woman and Flowers | Jón Sigurðsson | 1995 |
Law of 22 May 2001 Series | ||||||
500 krona | As previous, but the underprint design extends upward and downward to fill the margin | October 2005 | ||||
1000 krona | November 2004 | |||||
5000 krona | November 2003 | |||||
10,000 krona | 162 × 70 mm | Blue | Jónas Hallgrímsson; outlines of mountains Háafjall and Hraundrangi formed from Icelandic words coined by Jónas; floral pattern from cover of periodical “Fjölnir;” Jónas’ handwritten poem “Ferðalok” (Journey's End); topographical outline of mountain Skjaldbreiður | A plover and Hallgrímsson's poem Skjaldbreiður Mountain; topographical outline of mountain Skjaldbreiður; Jónas’ handwritten poem “Fjallið Skjaldbreiður;” scallop shell | Jón Sigurðsson | October 24, 2013 |
Issues affecting the Icelandic krona
Iceland is not a member of the European Union and does not use the euro. The Icelandic currency is a low-volume world currency, strongly managed by its central bank. Its value in terms of other currencies has historically been swift to change, for example against the US and Canadian dollars, and the other Nordic currencies (Swedish krona, Norwegian krone, Danish krone), and the euro. For example, during the first half of 2006, the Icelandic krona ranged between 50 and 80 per US dollar. Prior to the currency's collapse in October 2008, the krona was considered overvalued.
In most shops electronic payment is accepted. Other currencies are very rarely accepted in Iceland. A notable exception is Keflavík International Airport (which has many transfer passengers), where the US dollar, euro and some other currencies are accepted by all merchants. Certain stores in central Reykjavík accept some foreign currencies.
Iceland's per capita computer usage is among the highest in the world,
2008 financial crisis
In October 2008, the
The Icelandic krona similarly fell in value against the US dollar, from around 50 to 80 per dollar to about 110–115 per dollar; by mid-November 2008 it had continued to lower to 135 to the dollar. As of 2 April 2009, the value hovered around 119 per dollar, roughly maintaining that value over the next two years with 23 March 2011, prices around 114 per dollar.[16] With this, the previously high costs for foreign traders and tourists dropped, which Iceland's trade and tourism industry undertook to exploit.[17] In July 2008, a Big Mac cost the equivalent of nearly US$6, versus $3.57 in the US.[18]
Iceland and the euro
Theoretically, the adoption of the euro could have several advantages. Adopting what is perceived by some as a historically stronger currency might help Iceland to "avoid the turbulence surrounding speculations in international financial markets".[19] In addition, Icelandic economists listed several arguments in favour of the euro before the crisis. "In terms of growth potentials and welfare, the euro could be expected to bring lower long-term interest rates [...]. This would of course increase capital investment and labour productivity. The euro might lower consumer prices by facilitating a comparison with other euro countries."[19] Because of the volatility between the euro and the krona, former
Opinion regarding the euro is mixed among Icelanders. An opinion poll about Iceland joining the European Union released on 11 September 2007 showed that 53% of respondents were in favour of adopting the euro, 37% opposed and 10% undecided.[20] Another poll produced for the Icelandic newspaper Fréttablaðið and released on 30 September 2007 showed 56% opposed to euro adoption and 44% in favour.[21] In January 2008, a poll by the Icelandic Chamber of Commerce put support for Iceland to abandon the krona for another currency at 63%. A number of companies in Iceland, such as Össur, have started to pay their employees in euros or US dollars, mainly due to the high inflation and high volatility.[22]
The financial crisis prompted further calls for Iceland to join the Eurozone. In January 2009, one senior Icelandic official stated that due to the crisis "the krona is dead. We need a new currency. The only serious option is the euro."[23] In March 2009, a report by Iceland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Össur Skarphédinsson, considered three options: retaining the krona, adopting the euro without joining the EU and adopting the euro through EU membership. The report recommended the third option.[24]
An economic study of the impact of the adoption of the euro by Iceland found that the Icelandic krona acts both as a barrier and buffer to international trade, and that by joining the EU and adopting the euro, Icelandic international trade might be 60% higher.[25]
In July 2009, the Alþingi (parliament) narrowly voted to apply for EU membership, but that application has been frozen since 2013 (see
In March 2015, Icelandic authorities announced by letter to the Presidency of the Council of the European Union that Iceland should not be seen as candidate state, and that there were no specific plans to continue any membership process.[26] Leaders of the ruling government parties have also stated that the krona will remain as Iceland's currency for at least the foreseeable future.
Iceland and unilateral adoption of another currency
Some small countries, such as
There was a discussion in 2012 about the feasibility of adopting a foreign currency. The idea of adopting the Canadian dollar was popular and the Canadian ambassador to Iceland stated that Iceland could adopt the currency if it so wished.[27] Canada was favoured due to its northern geography and similar resource based economy, in addition to its relative economic stability.[28]
Arnór Sighvatsson, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Iceland, at a meeting of the Icelandic Federation of Labour on 10 January 2012, said:
- I am of the view that unilateral adoption of a foreign currency or a currency board could only be considered prudent if all of Iceland's largest banks were owned by a strong foreign bank with the financial strength to provide them with liquidity during times of distress. Second, unilateral adoption of another currency is a solution that is hardly worth considering unless EMU (Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union) membership has been ruled out for the foreseeable future, as it entails extra cost of purchase of new base money for the banking system (generally in the range of 70–100 billion krona in recent years) and larger precautionary foreign exchange reserves (particularly if the banks are not foreign-owned). It would be pointless to pay that price for a few years' benefit, plus the seigniorage that would revert permanently to the ECB European Central Bank. Currencies other than the euro have also been mentioned. But considering the characteristics required of such a currency, there is no other that comes close to being as beneficial for Iceland as the euro is.[29]
As of 2018[update], Icelandic authorities had no plans to adopt a foreign currency.[30]
Exchange rate
- As of 31 May 2023, US$1 was worth 140.44 Icelandic krona.
Current ISK exchange rates | |
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From Google Finance: | AUD CAD CHF CNY EUR GBP HKD JPY USD DKK NOK SEK |
From Yahoo! Finance: | AUD CAD CHF CNY EUR GBP HKD JPY USD DKK NOK SEK |
From XE.com: | AUD CAD CHF CNY EUR GBP HKD JPY USD DKK NOK SEK |
From OANDA: | AUD CAD CHF CNY EUR GBP HKD JPY USD DKK NOK SEK |
See also
Notes
References and sources
- References
- ^ Magnús Halldórsson (23 January 2018). "Krónuáhættan hefur magnast upp". Kjarninn (in Icelandic). Retrieved 22 February 2019.
- ^ hdl:1946/23454.
- ISSN 1028-9445. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
- ^ a b "Withdrawal of coin denominated in aurar". cb.is. Central Bank of Iceland. 15 August 2003. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
- ^ "Valid coins in circulation". Central Bank of Iceland. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
- ^ "Opinber gjaldmiðill á Íslandi: Útgáfa og auðkenni íslenskra seðla og myntar" (PDF) (in Icelandic). Central Bank of Iceland. p. 65. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
- ^ Örlygur Hnefill Örlygsson. "The Golden Plover on new 10000 ISK banknote" Archived 2016-07-29 at the Wayback Machine. goIceland. 26 September 2013.
- ^ "Valid notes in Iceland" Archived 2006-06-24 at the Wayback Machine. Central Bank of Iceland.
- ^ "Internet users". International Telecommunication Union. Archived from the original (XLS) on 10 November 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
- ^ Mason, Rowena. "Financial crisis: Iceland nationalises bank and seeks Russian loan". The Daily Telegraph. 8 October 2008.
- ^ "Iceland May Ask for IMF Loan as Well as Borrowing From Russia". Bloomberg. 8 October 2008.
- Bloomberg, L.P.13 October 2008.
- ^ Historical EUR/ISK exchange rate graphs, European Central Bank
- ^ Iceland crown international trade seen restarting soon, Guardian/Reuters, 6 November 2008
- ^ "Euro foreign exchange reference rates". European Central Bank. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
- ^ "USDISK=X : Summary for USD/ISK - Yahoo Finance". yahoo.com. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 3 February 2011. Retrieved 30 March 2009.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Sandwiched". The Economist. 24 July 2008. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
- ^ a b "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 29 October 2009.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ Olafsdottir, Audbjorg. "Euro support in Iceland hits five-year high". Reuters. 11 September 2007.
- ^ "Meirihluti andvígur upptöku evru" (Icelandic). Morgunblaðið. 30 September 2007.
- ^ Furlong, Ray. "Iceland's financial freeze". BBC. 3 October 2008.
- ^ Iceland to be fast-tracked into the EU, the Guardian
- ^ "Could EU Application Save Billions for Iceland?" Archived 2012-02-17 at the Wayback Machine, Iceland Review Online, 27 March 2009
- . Retrieved 2 April 2018 – via cje.oxfordjournals.org.
- ^ "Government considers Iceland no longer an EU candidate" Ministry for Foreign Affairs
- ^ "Canada ready to discuss letting Iceland use its dollar". icenews.is. Archived from the original on 4 March 2012. Retrieved 8 March 2012.
- ^ McKenna, Barrie (2 March 2012). "Canadian envoy to Iceland sparks loonie controversy". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. Archived from the original on 4 March 2012. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
- ^ "Arnór Sighvatsson: Iceland's future monetary and exchange rate regime" (PDF).
- ^ Hjaltadóttir, Jóhanna Vigdís (18 October 2018). "There are no magical solutions in currency". RÚV (in Icelandic).
This reevaluation of monetary policy is made with the assumption that the krona will be the Icelandic currency for the near future. [...] The parties in power support using the krona as the Icelandic currency.
- Sources
- Krause, Chester L.; Clifford Mishler (1991). ISBN 0873411501.
- Pick, Albert (1994). ISBN 0-87341-207-9.