Page 40 - Gustaf Douglas: Classic Sweden

Sweden 1858-1872 the Coat-of-arms Type II ”Öre”

FRAME 7

The new monetary unit “Öre” Imperforate plate proof in black
The monetary unit “skilling” had been introduced in with 12 Öre denomination
1776 and was in use until 1855. In 1855 a decimal
monetary system was introduced in Sweden:
“Riksdaler riksgäld” became the new unit with the
name ”Riksdaler riksmynt” and was set to 100 Öre.
“Öre” was once again Swedish currency.
The decision to change the monetary unit from
“Skilling Banco” to “Öre” was actually taken prior to
the first stamps in “Skilling Banco” were released. In
theory the Swedish Post could have practiced the new
monetary unit already on the first stamps, but the
decision was delayed because of shortage of coins.
Not until 17 December 1857 the Swedish Post
decided that from 1858 the new monetary unit “Öre”
should be used on new stamps.

First day usage on 1.7.1858
In an announcement to the local post offices dated
31 May 1858, the Swedish Post informed that from
Imperforate colour proof (original plate) brown‐
1 July 1858 new stamps in “Öre” denomination values red on yellow paper with 30 Öre denomination
should be in force and at sale at the local post offices.

The printing by Sparre The replacement of the “skilling” values to “Öre” was
The contract with Pehr Ambörn Sparre (the printer) connected with the rates. 1 Skilling Banco was
stipulated that without compensation from the equivalent to 3 Öre. The former 4 Skilling Banco
Swedish Post, he was to change the denomination uniform domestic letter rate was from 1.7.1858 12 Öre,
from “skilling” to “Öre” when the monetary reform the other domestic rates were multiples of 12 Öre.
decided on by the Government was to take effect.