1974 Silver 500 Kronur For Icelandic National Day

Outstanding!

Trivia time.

The four figures on the obverse are the Four Protectors of Iceland. They derive from the saga of King Harald Bluetooth as featured in the old Norse book of sagas, the Heimskringla. According to the myth, King Harald wished to attack Iceland, so he sent his sorcerer to spy out the island to find the best spot to land his fleet. The sorcerer first tried the East, and found it defended by a huge dragon; then he tried the North, where a large eagle (or maybe a griffin) repelled him; after this the West, which was defended by an immense bull. Finally, the Southwest, where his landing was challenged by a giant. With all other approaches to the island barred by impenetrable walls of rock and ice, the sorcerer went back and told Harald that attacking Iceland was impossible as it was too well defended.

The sagas go on to say that any Viking ships wishing to approach Iceland in a friendly manner would remove the traditional intimidating dragon-heads from the prow of their boats, lest the Protectors become alarmed by the visitors.

The Four Protectors remain national symbols to this day. Iceland is the only country to have four creatures, rather than the usual one or two, supporting it's coat of arms.

Very nice! The design is pretty cool as well.