1771 Denmark 1 Skilling Christian VII VF20

About this piece

1771 Denmark 1 Skilling

Christian VII (1766–1808)
KM 616.1 | Copper | Copenhagen Mint (K·M)

Issued under King Christian VII, the 1771 1 Skilling is one of the most recognizable and extensively studied copper coins of the Danish-Norwegian monarchy. Although every example bears the date 1771, the type was actually struck from 1771 through approximately 1785, making it a classic example of a "frozen date" coinage. During this period, more than 54 million pieces were produced to satisfy the demand for small-denomination currency throughout Denmark and Norway.

The obverse features the crowned royal monogram of Christian VII, designed by engraver Johan Ephraim Bauert, while the reverse displays the denomination 1 SKILLING DANSKE, the K·M mint designation, and the frozen date 1771. The initials K·M are generally associated with the Royal Mint and are found on the standard Copenhagen issues.

This series is especially popular with Scandinavian specialists because hundreds of obverse and reverse dies were used during its extended production. Modern research has identified hundreds of individual dies and nearly one thousand documented die marriages, including numerous legend errors, repunched letters, and other collectible varieties. While the majority of surviving examples represent the standard KM 616.1 issue, scarcer die varieties command significant premiums.

Technical Specifications

• Country: Denmark
• Ruler: Christian VII (1766–1808)
• Denomination: 1 Skilling
• Catalog Number: KM 616.1
• Date: 1771 (Frozen Date)
• Composition: Copper
• Mint: Copenhagen (K·M)
• Diameter: Approximately 29–30 mm (varies by variety)
• Weight: Approximately 11.7 g (known range 8.83–14.1 g)
• Edge: Plain
• Alignment: Medal (↑↑)
• Engraver: Johan Ephraim Bauert

Historical Significance

The 1771 1 Skilling circulated throughout the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway during a period of economic and political reform. Despite its modest face value, it represents one of the most intensively researched Scandinavian coin series, with collectors continuing to identify new die combinations and previously undocumented varieties more than 250 years after its production. Its combination of historical importance, extensive variety collecting, and affordability has made it a cornerstone of eighteenth-century Danish numismatics.