Nordic Gold, a term that evokes images of gleaming treasures and ancient riches, is not what it might initially seem. It is not a precious metal, nor does it contain any gold. Instead, Nordic Gold is a copper alloy, renowned for its gold-colored coating and its extensive use in coinage. This material, steeped in Scandinavian history, has become one of the most common materials in the world, particularly in the financial systems of today.
What is Nordic Gold?
Nordic Gold is a copper alloy that consists of 89% copper, 5% aluminum, 5% zinc, and 1% tin. Despite its name, it contains no gold. The term “Nordic Gold” refers to the brilliant gold coating that gives the material its distinctive sheen. This alloy is developed by many Nordic nations and is commonly used to make European Union, Swedish, and Polish coins.
The alloy shares many characteristics with brass, including corrosion resistance and toughness. Despite its high copper composition, Nordic Gold is considered a safe alloy, free from toxic substances like lead that can pose health risks with prolonged exposure.
Uses of Nordic Gold in Scandinavia
In Scandinavian countries, Nordic Gold is primarily used for minting lower denomination currencies, known as the Krone or Krona. These coins, sometimes referred to as “crowns,” are legal tender in these regions and come in 1, 2, 5, 10, and 25 denominations. The Faroe Islands and Greenland also use these copper alloy coins.
The use of the Krona as common tender in the Scandinavian monetary system is a relatively recent development. Until the 19th century, most of Scandinavia used the Reichsthaler. However, this currency fell out of favor following the formation of the Scandinavian Monetary Union in 1873 by Denmark and Sweden, with Norway joining two years later.
Beyond its use in currency, Nordic Gold holds cultural significance for many Scandinavians. It is often used to make souvenir coins, serving as a tangible connection to a rich and proud culture.
Purity and Value of Nordic Gold
Nordic Gold is not pure, as it is an alloy containing various compounds, including aluminum, zinc, tin, and copper. However, its impure nature makes it an inexpensive substitute for gold, contributing to its high value in Scandinavian countries and beyond.
The success of Nordic Gold is primarily due to its cost-effectiveness. The material was a cheaper yet suitable substitute to gold, possessing many of the latter’s desirable features. As a result, most Scandinavian countries opted to use Nordic Gold as currency.
Why is Nordic Gold So Commonly Used Today?
Nordic Gold’s popularity extends beyond its cost-effectiveness. Several other factors contribute to its widespread use.
Non-Allergenic
Modern coins need to be allergen-free to prevent various medical issues. Nordic Gold satisfies this requirement as it cannot trigger allergic reactions in humans or animals. The alloy consists mainly of copper, a hypoallergenic metal.
Antimicrobial Properties
According to a study conducted by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), coins made from Nordic Gold are the cleanest, most resilient, and sturdy currency items in circulation. The alloy is naturally toxic to many microorganisms, inhibiting several life-sustaining processes when it comes into contact with them. Bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella Enteritis typically die moments after coming into contact with Nordic Gold.
Durability
Nordic Gold has endured for most of Scandinavian history because of its high damage resistance. It requires extreme temperatures to bend, deform, or melt. It also takes a long time for Nordic Gold to tarnish, making it a durable choice for coins that stay in circulation for extended periods.