September 29, 2011 – Norges Bank ordered 10 million 50-øre coins for delivery in 2011.
The error is indicated by the red circle.
A large number of this batch of coins have a date error: in the date featured on the coin’s reverse (tails side), the last two digits in the year (11) have been reversed. More than 8 million coins had been struck by Mint of Norway before the error was discovered and corrected.
In Norges Bank’s assessment, the error will not pose any problems for the coin’s function as a means of payment. And because of the large number produced, the coins will not be of value as a collector’s item. As discarding these coins and producing a new batch would involve considerable cost, Norges Bank has decided that these coins may be put into circulation. The coins will be put into circulation through autumn.
Norges Bank decided earlier this year that the 50-øre coin will be removed from circulation and cease to be legal tender on 1 May 2012.
We reported on the upcoming end of the 50-øre coin here.
To get more information on the banknotes and coins of Norges Bank, click here.