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The story behind Sporrong AB

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Sporrong's Collector's Medals  from the 1970s - A Time Journey in Nordic Cultural Heritage

 

 

In the 1970s, the Swedish company Sporrong AB issued a series of collector's medals which quickly became popular among both experienced collectors and people with an interest in history and culture. These medals, characterized by Sporrong's classic craftsmanship and dedication to detail, addressed themes such as Nordic culture, history and famous people. Today, they are seen as iconic collector's items, which in their own way tell stories about both people and eras.

 

 

The story behind Sporrong AB

 

 

Sporrong AB, which has roots as far back as 1666, is one of Sweden's oldest and most recognized companies in medal and badge production. With a long tradition of producing quality badges and medals for military, public institutions and the Swedish Royal House, Sporrong has always had a reputation for solid craftsmanship and precision. In the 1980s, the company began issuing collector's medals for the wider market, and this venture made Sporrong a sought-after player also within the collecting community.

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The design and theme of the medals

 

 

The collector's medals from the 1980s bore the stamp of Sporrong's well-known sense of detail and historical motifs. Many of the medals were issued in series that dealt with various themes, including:

 

 

Norse mythology and history: Some of the most sought-after medals from the 1980s focused on motifs inspired by Norse mythology, such as figures from Norse mythology, Viking symbols and historical events. The medals captured the essence of Scandinavia's rich cultural heritage and gave collectors a unique connection to the region's past.

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Royal and historical figures: Sporrong also issued medals honoring Scandinavian royalty and national heroes. These medals had portraits of kings, queens and other important historical figures, accompanied by information about their role in Nordic history. This series became particularly popular among those who wanted to collect memorabilia from Sweden's royal heritage.

 

 

Art and nature: Another series focused on nature and artistic motifs, which was also typical for Sporrong. The nature medals showed, among other things, Scandinavian animals, plants and landscapes, which gave a feeling of owning a small part of Scandinavia's nature.

 

 

The medals were made of various metals such as bronze and silver, and some were also issued in limited editions, which increased their value and demand among collectors.

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The quality of the craft

 

 

Sporrong prided itself on making medals of outstanding quality. In the 1970s, great emphasis was placed on both details in design and high quality of the materials used. The engraving on the medals was deep and detailed, giving the medals a distinct texture and highlighting each motif. This is why many of Sporrong's medals from this period have held up well and still look impressive to this day.

 

 

The quality of the craftsmanship means that these medals are not only valuable to collectors, but also stand as examples of good Swedish design and production quality from the 1970s. The economic value of the medals differ. 

 

 

Collector's value and Significance

 

 

The collector's medals from Sporrong have a special place on the market today. Some are not only valuable because of their age and quality, but also because they represent a time when collecting such medals was a widespread hobby. Many who owned Sporrong's medals did so as part of a larger cultural trend that valued craftsmanship and historical motifs.

 

 

The medals have also acquired a sentimental value. For some they remind of specific periods in Scandinavian history, while for others they are part of family memories and traditions. In addition to their historical and artistic value, many see the medals as symbols of the Nordic cultural heritage and Sporrong's role as a bearer of tradition.

 

 

The legacy After the 1970s Collector's medals

 

 

Sporrong's collector's medals from the 1970s are today sought-after objects that represent a combination of art, history and tradition. They stand as testimony to a period when people valued craftsmanship and history, and they are also a symbol of Sporrong's long heritage as a manufacturer of medals and badges.

 

These medals, which are now often bought and sold among collectors, still hold their value and appeal to new generations who want to own a piece of Nordic cultural heritage. At the same time, they remind us of Sporrong's role as an important actor within the Swedish craft tradition and their contribution to preserving our common history through beautiful and durable products.

 

 

With Sporrong's long history in mind, it is clear that their medals from the 1970s will continue to be loved and admired – not only as collectibles, but also as timeless works of art that carry with them a part of our cultural heritage.

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© 2025 by Kjell Brynildsen, Historian M.A.

Artmedals.org. (Norway).

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All rights reserved. 

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