Iceland | 1974 | 50 Aurur | Coat of arms

 


Iceland





The coat of arms of Iceland features a blue shield with a silver-edged red cross, reflecting the national flag. It is supported by the four landvættir, mythical guardians of Iceland, standing on a lava block: the bull (southwest), eagle or griffin (northwest), dragon (northeast), and rock-giant (southeast). These protectors were deeply respected in Viking times, leading to laws forbidding ships from displaying threatening figureheads when approaching Iceland. The landvættir also appear on Icelandic króna coins, while marine animals decorate the reverse. Variants of the coat of arms are used on official flags by the Icelandic presidency, police, and other state services

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