2001 Iceland 500 Krónur Banknote for Sale – Honoring Jón Sigurðsson and Icelandic Enlightenment

Issued by the Seðlabanki Íslands under the Law of 22 May 2001, the 500 Krónur banknote pays tribute to Jón Sigurðsson, the 19th-century leader of Iceland’s independence movement and a symbol of national sovereignty. Released in 2004, this note reflects Iceland’s commitment to cultural heritage, education, and democratic ideals in the post-millennial era.


Key Features & Historical Significance

Issuer: Seðlabanki Íslands (Central Bank of Iceland)
Denomination: 500 Krónur
Year of Issue: 22 May 2001
Date of Circulation: 8 October 2004
Pick Number: P-58A
Series: 4th Issue (2001–2013)
Printer: Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (Spain)
Size: Approx. 145 × 70 mm
Material: Paper banknote with multicolor offset printing
Designers: Kristín Þorkelsdóttir and Stephen Alan Fairbairn


Design Features

Obverse

Central portrait of Jón Sigurðsson, facing forward
Red and pink tones with crisp Latin script
Text: “FIMM HUNDRUÐ KRÓNUR – SAMKVÆMT LÖGUM NR. 36 22. MAÍ 2001 – SEÐLABANKI ÍSLANDS”
Signatures of bank officials and legal reference to the issuing law

Reverse

Sigurðsson seated at his desk surrounded by books, lamp, pen, and papers
Background features the façade of the Learning School in Reykjavík
Symbolic of Iceland’s intellectual tradition and educational values
Watermark : Portrait of Jón Sigurðsson (visible when held to light)



Why Collect This Banknote?

The 2001 500 Krónur note is a striking tribute to Iceland’s national awakening, embodied by Jón Sigurðsson’s legacy. His birthday, June 17, is celebrated as Iceland’s National Day, and his image on this note reinforces the country’s reverence for scholarship, independence, and civic progress. With its elegant design and historical depth, this banknote offers collectors a tangible link to Iceland’s cultural renaissance and its enduring democratic spirit.