A picturesque token from a beautiful public transit system

The first trams to operate in Denmark were in the capital, Copenhagen, under the “Copenhagen Railway Company Ltd.” which was founded in 1863. These early trams were initially horse-drawn.

(1863 drawing of one of the first horse-drawn trams, from https://www.vognstyrer.dk/)

Some early tokens can be seen at Vognstyrer.dk. In 1866, Copenhagen Railway Company became Copenhagen Tramway Company. There were several other mergers and changes of name before, in 1911, Copenhagen Tramways (Københavns Sporveje) was formed. By this time, trams were electrified.

Copenhagen Tramways existed until 1974. The last tram ran on 22nd April of that year, with this article penned for the 50th anniversary of that date. Copenhagen Tramway Museum (Skjoldenæsholm Tram Museum) has two lines, and numerous historic trams.

(Several trams at the Copenhagen Tramway Museum. From VisitDenmark.nl)

Today, Copenhagen’s metro runs 24/7 with a 2 – 4-minute service during peak hours and 3-6 minutes outside rush hour and weekends. Trains after 1am have a 7 – 15-minute frequency on Friday and Saturday and a 20-minute frequency on other days. IDOM promotes the modern, efficient light rail system being designed for Copenhagen (it talks about what they are designing in future tense, giving pricing in 2017 values. So, I’m not clear whether this is still being developed or whether it is in use now. If you know, please let me know!).

Obverse

The obverse features the KS text logo of the company (Københavns Sporveje). “Rabatpolet” translates to “discount ticket”.

Reverse

The reverse contains an image of “The Little Mermaid” statue, with a ship and a building in the background. Arguably one of Copenhagen’s most iconic tourist attractions, the sculpture of The Little Mermaid was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale. Unveiled on 23 August 1913, The Little Mermaid was a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the City of Copenhagen. The sculpture is made of bronze and granite and sits in the water at Langelinie Pier. 

It was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairytale about a mermaid who gives up everything to be united with a young, handsome prince on land.

Every morning and evening she swims to the surface from the bottom of the sea and, perched on her rock in the water, she stares longingly towards the shore hoping to catch a glimpse of her beloved prince.

The sculpture was inspired by ballerina Ellen Price, who in 1909 danced the lead role in the ballet The Little Mermaid at the Royal Theatre.

However, Ellen Price would not model in the nude for sculptor Edvard Eriksen. Thus, Eriksen’s wife, Eline Eriksen, posed for the sculpture of The Little Mermaid.

I’m not 100% clear when this token was in use or exactly how. The statue was unveiled in 1913 and the tramways dissolved in 1974, so that leaves a 60 year window. My feeling is likely later rather than earlier, but if anyone knows anything further, please comment below or get in touch. I have also seen several slight variations of the design and metal, from what is commonly called “White metal” (an unknown composition which ends up silverish in colour, pictured left) to brass (right):

The Little Mermaid on this Danish token must be one of my favourite tourist attractions depicted on a coin or token. What is yours? Let us know below.