Sweden Oscar II 10 Ore 1897EB EF/UN (Mint)

Exceptional scarce high grade silver (0.400) coin was struck within a set from 1880-1904. Sweden was founded as a Christian stronghold by Oscar Skottkonung late in the 10th. Century. After conquering Finland late in the 13th. Century, Sweden, together with the Norway, came under the rule of Denmark, 1397-1523, in an association known as the Union of Kalmar. Modern Sweden had its beginning in 1523 when Gustaf Vasa drove the Danes out of Sweden and was himself chosen King. Under Gustaf Adolphus II and Charles XII, Sweden was one of the great powers of 17th. Century Europe - until Charles invaded Russia in 1708, and was defeated at the Battle of Pullova in June, 1709. Early in the 18th. Century, a coalition of Russia, Poland and Denmark took away Sweden's Baltic empire and in 1809 Sweden was forced to cede Finland to Russia. Norway was ceded to Sweden by the Treaty of Kiel in January, 1814. The Norwegians resisted for a time but later signed the Act of Union at the Convention of Moss in August, 1814. The Union was dissolved in 1905 and Norway became independent. A new Constitution which took effect on 1st. January, 1975, restricts the function of the King largely to a ceremonial role. Turning back to the time of the above coin, Oscar II ruled from 1872 to 1907.