Estonian 500 kroon coin

500 krooni
General information
Country	Estonia
Value	500.00 krooni
Years	1998
Measurements and composition
Mass	8.64 g
Diameter	22 mm
Composition	90% gold, 5% silver, 5% copper
Appearance
Shape	round
Edge	plain
Obverse	Man on horse, value
Reverse	Framed dates, state title
v · d · e

The 500 kroon coin is a commemorative coin that was minted by Estonia in 1998 in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Estonian Declaration of Independence of 1918. The piece had a face value equivalent to 500.00 krooni prior to its eventual demonetization.

The coin is composed of an alloy of .900 fine gold consisting of 90 percent gold, 5 percent silver, and 5 percent copper. It has a mass of approximately 8.64 grams and a diameter of 22 millimeters. The coin bears a plain edge and is round in shape. Both sides of the piece were designed by Estonian artist Margus Kadarik. Featured in the center of the obverse are the dates "1918" and "1998" printed on two separate lines and surrounded by four stylized Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) forming a square border. The former date represents the year in which Estonia declared itself independent, and the latter signifies the year of production. Below the dates and their border is the Estonian state title of the Republic of Estonia, "EESTI VABARIIK", both words printed on their own lines. Displayed at the bottom center of the reverse is an illustration of Kalevipoeg, a giant hero in Estonian folklore, riding a horse and lifting with his right hand burning torches of freedom. Above the value "500 KROONI" is written, the numeral and the word "KROONI" separated onto their own lines.

An issuing limit of 3000 of these proof coins was set. All examples were produced at the mint in Vantaa, Finland, under contract with the Bank of Estonia.

References

• Commemorative Coins – Bank of Estonia
• ESTONIA 500 Krooni KM# 34 (1998) – Numismatic Guaranty Corporation