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Iceland 1974 Silver & Bronze Medals - 1100 Anniversary
Iceland 1974 Silver & Bronze Commemorative Medals - 1100th Anniversary of Settlement - Image 2
Iceland 1974 Silver & Bronze Commemorative Medals - 1100th Anniversary of Settlement - Image 3

Iceland 1974 Silver & Bronze Commemorative Medals – 1100th Anniversary of Settlement

1.116 $

In 1974, to celebrate 1100 years of settlement since 874 AD, the National Festival Committee minted these stunning medals—one sterling silver, one bronze—each ~300g and 70mm wide. One side blazes with ‘1100’ flames; the other vividly shows the four landvættir: the giant warrior, charging bull, coiled dragon, and soaring eagle, the legendary spirits protecting Iceland’s…

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Iceland 1974 Silver & Bronze Medals – 1100 Anniversary

This impressive set of commemorative medals celebrates the 1100th anniversary of the settlement of Iceland (Íslandsbyggð), marking 1100 years since the first Norse settlers arrived around 874 AD. Issued in 1974 by the Þjóðhátíðarnefnd (National Festival Committee) as minnispeningar (memorial medals), the pair includes one in sterling silver (925/1000 fineness) and one in bronze, presented in their original luxurious black case with gold-embossed lid and blue velvet interior.

Each large medal measures approximately 70 mm in diameter and weighs around 300 grams (heavy, substantial pieces typical of limited-edition anniversary issues).

  • Obverse (common to both medals): Features the bold, stylized “1100” integrated with flame-like motifs symbolizing the enduring spirit of Icelandic settlement. The inscription encircles the rim: “1100 ÁRA AFMÆLI ÍSLANDSBYGGÐAR 1974” (1100 Years Anniversary of Iceland’s Settlement 1974).
  • Reverse (common to both medals): Depicts a dramatic split design representing all four landvættir (guardian spirits) of Iceland from Norse mythology, as described in the Heimskringla saga—the protective beings said to guard the island’s quarters:
    • Northwest: A giant (bergrisi) portrayed as a bearded Viking warrior holding a spear, standing among tall rocks or cliffs.
    • Northeast: A bull (griðungur) charging on rocky terrain.
    • Southwest: A dragon (dreki) coiled and fierce.
    • Southeast: A majestic eagle or griffin (gammur) with outstretched wings. The design is signed by the artist Kristín Þorkelsdóttir (KRISTÍN ÞORKELSDÓTTIR -74) and carries the year 1974.

These non-circulating commemorative medals were produced in limited quantities, often by Finnish mints like Kultateollisuus for such Icelandic pieces. They stand apart from the official coin series (e.g., 500/1000 Krónur silver coins or 10000 Krónur gold) as larger, medal-format tributes distributed or sold to honor the milestone. A rare and weighty duo for collectors of Icelandic numismatics, Viking mythology, anniversary medals, or heavy precious metal pieces—perfectly preserved in the original presentation box.

A powerful symbol of Iceland’s 1100-year saga of resilience, exploration, and cultural continuity, beautifully capturing the mythical guardians that legend says defended the island from invaders!

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