The “Birka” Geocoin — in presale
“Birka” is currently in presale at: http://polardesign.se
Here is what they have to say about the coin design . . .
Short history behind the Birka Geocoin
During the Viking age Birka, on the island of Björkö in Sweden was an important trading center which handled goods from Scandinavia as well as Central and Eastern Europe and the Orient. Björkö is located in the lake Mälaren, 30 kilometers west of Stockholm. Birka is generally regarded as Sweden’s oldest town. Birka has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993.
A young monk named Ansgar arrived in Birka in the year 830 to spread the christian gospels. Many of the inhabitants were babtised and there was a small church in the town. Nevertheless, most of the people in Birka were heathens.
Established in the middle of the 8th century and thus being one of the earliest urban settlements in Scandinavia. Birka was also important as the site of the first known Christian congregation in Sweden, founded in 831 by saint Ansgar.
Geocoin design
On the center of the coin is Birka cross. A Christian cross Viking style.
Center of other side: Mjölner; the hammer of the Thunder god Thor.
Outmost ring: Symbols found on on tools and jewellery from the Birka excavations.
Big outer ring: Map of Birka with the name of saint Ansgar and the island name Björkö in runic alphabeth. By the viking ship the viking symbol for the sun.
Middle ring: Birka in runic alphabeth.
Additions available include:
- - SG02-5: Birka RGB (Gold+Color)
- - SG02-6: Birka AE (Silver+Color)
- - SG02-7: Birka Foggy Silver
- - SG02-8: Birka Antique Bronze
