This is the sixth and final instalment of this successful series. This time, it’s all about Vikings. It is the story of Ragnar Lodbrok and his sons, Ivar the Boneless and Björn Ironside. Ragnar is said to have lived in the 9th century as a Viking king, adventurer, and plunderer who travelled as far as England and France. The nickname Lodbrok (“fur pants”) is said to come from pants made of fur or clothes treated with tar, which protected him

from snake bites. He is often portrayed as a fearless but also romantic hero. According to legend, he was captured by King Ælla of Northumbria and thrown into a snake pit, where he died. His sons then swore revenge. One of them was Ivar the Boneless, leader of the “Great Heathen Army”. His name is thought to be because he may have suffered from brittle bone disease or another form of muscle weakness or paralysis. Despite his

physical disability, he was a brilliant strategist and led the Vikings to one of the largest invasions of England.

His brother Björn “Ironside” probably got his name because of his invulnerability in battle or his armour. He was considered one of the bravest warriors and leaders among Ragnar’s sons. He was less of a strategist like Ivar and more of a classic warrior hero, leading raids in the Frankish Empire, Spain, North Africa, and Italy. This coin impressively depicts all three figures in ultra-high relief. Their aggressive facial expressions and weapons clearly

convey the message: we are ready for anything. The background pattern represents the sacred halls of Valhalla, a resting place for fallen warriors in Nordic mythology. The reverse shows Ivar the Boneless on his sailing boat. Thanks to smartminting® technology, the rough sea and inflated sails look absolutely realistic