The E-Sylum:  Volume 9, Number 21, May 21, 2006, Article 15

SOUVENIR COINS OF THE SYTTENDE MAI FESTIVAL

The Capital Times of Madison, WI published an article this
week on the "coins", buttons and other souvenirs  of Syttende
Mai, the local annual Norwegian Constitution Day festival. The
article discusses the collector value of coins from past years,
and a demonstration of Viking coin making at this year's event.

"Krumkake is best eaten on the spot, not kept as a Syttende
Mai remembrance.  For collectors, a button or coin is a better
souvenir of Stoughton's annual homage to all things Norwegian.

For more than 40 years, festival organizers have commissioned
artists to produce commemorative Syttende Mai coins and buttons.

Some past coins and buttons are now of significant value. This
year's versions cost $10 and $5, respectively. The buttons are
admission to many weekend events.

But they aren't the only metal being shaped this Syttende Mai.

During the festival, local metal artist Bill Howard, his staff
and students from Howard Academy for the Metal Arts will be
demonstrating 12th century Viking coinmaking.

Visitors are promised a pewter coin to take home with a Viking
ship on the front and a dragon on the back."

Gary Brenz, a local bookstore owner and Syttende Mai coin
and button collector, says the most valuable coin is from
1966, worth about $150. Brenz says a full set of 42 coins
could cost up to $400. John Plunkett, another local collector,
prices a full set higher, at up to $650.

To read the complete article, see: Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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