500-kronor banknote

Picture on the front of the valid 500-kronor note

Picture on the reverse of the valid 500-kronor note

 

The 500-kronor note was first issued in a blue shade in 1985 (which became invalid on 1 January 1999) and then replaced in 1989 by a red version. The older type of red 500-krona note was introduced in 1989 and became invalid on 1 January 2006. See the link to the press release "Information on Riksdag decision to declare some older banknotes and coins invalid" below.

The newer type with the foil strip and see through picture was introduced in 2001 and will remain legal tender.

 

1. Portrait of Karl XI from 1682.

 

2. The Riksbank's first building on Järntorget in Stockholm.

 

3. The Riksbank´s motto in very small letters.

 

4. A foil strip with a hologram (three-dimensional image) showing the
    denomination and three crowns.

 

5. A pattern that, together with the pattern on the reverse of the
    note, forms an image showing the denomination of the note
    when you hold the banknote up to the light.

 

6. Drawing of Christopher Polhem, the father of Swedish engineering.

 

7. Mathematical calculations from one of Polhem's notebooks.

 

8. Falu copper mine with one of Polhem's ore hauling plants.

 

9. The gear wheel is from Polhem's industrial plant in Dalarna.

 

Measurements: 82 x 150 millimetres. The number of notes in circulation as at 31 December 2005 was approximately 94 million, amounting to a total value of around SEK 47 billion.

 

The main motif on the 500-krona note is Karl XI, King of Sweden 1672-1697. The portrait is taken from David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl's painting of 1682 depicting Karl XI at the battle of Lund 1676. The picture on the note is reversed so that the king's face is turned towards the centre of the note. It was during Karl XI's early reign, before he came of age, that what is now known as Sveriges Riksbank was founded, in 1668. Behind the royal portrait you can glimpse the first Riksbank building, which still stands at Järntorget in Stockholm.

 

There are bands running through the note at different points with a very small text containing the Riksbank's motto HINC ROBUR ET SECURITAS (From here comes security and strength) and the text SVERIGES RIKSBANK 500 FEMHUNDRAKRONOR. (Sveriges Riksbank 500 five hundred krona).

 

The reverse of the note shows a drawing of Christopher Polhem, the father of Swedish engineering. When he submitted his first proposals for technical improvements in Swedish industry in the 1690s, he received Karl XI's whole-hearted support. Karl XI and Christopher Polhem were prominent figures in Sweden's administrative and technological renewal 300 years ago. During 20 years of peace Karl XI put Sweden's finances in order and reformed the government of the kingdom.

 

Behind the portrait can be seen the large gear wheel from Polhem's industrial plant at Stjärnsund in Dalarna. Within the wheel are some mathematical calculations taken from one of Polhem's notebooks. At the far left of the note is Falu copper mine, with one of Polhem's ore hauling plants.

 

The idea behind the choice of persons on the banknotes is that they should both represent their own times and have significance for our times.

DOCUMENTATION
1 link

LAST UPDATED 3/9/2006