President of Iceland Medals Forseti Íslands inc. Sveinn Björnsson

[LawrenceChard]

President of Iceland Medals Forseti Íslands inc. Sveinn Björnsson

I recently came across a few bronze medallions, although unfortunately not a complete set.

The first one was for Sveinn Björnsson.

Sveinn Björnsson was the first president of Iceland (1944–1952).

Obverse in high relief

Lögberg on Reverse of Sveinn Björnsson medallion.

According to Wikipedia:

Lögberg, or Law Rock, was a rocky outcrop in south west Iceland, at the location for the assembly of the country's Althing parliament. The original Althing was gathered at Þingvellir, an area of dramatic landscapes which was easily accessible from the populated areas of the south west.

The exact location of the Lögberg is unknown, because of the changing geography of the rift valley over 1000 years. Two possible locations have been identified in Þingvellir, one a flat ledge at the top of a slope named Hallurinn (currently marked by a flagpole), the other in the Almannagjá fault against a rock wall. A site in the Hestagjá ravine has been put forward as ideal.

The Lögberg was the place on which the Lawspeaker took his seat as the presiding official of the assembly of the Althing. Speeches and announcements were made from the spot. Anyone attending could make their argument from the Lögberg. The gatherings were also convened and dissolved from it.

The Lögberg performed its purpose from the formation of the parliament in 930. It ceased to be used in 1262, when Iceland took allegiance to Norway

Another view of the obverse showing the high relief.

More to follow.

Approximate diameter 50mms.

Edited June 11, 2022 by LawrenceChard

[LawrenceChard]

Second of a series of high relief medals of Presidents of Iceland.

Ásgeir Ásgeirsson (13 May 1894 – 15 September 1972) was the second president of Iceland, from 1952 to 1968. He was a Freemason and served as Grand Master of the Icelandic Order of Freemasons.

... and the reverse:

 

Bessastaðir is the official residence of the President of Iceland. It is situated in Álftanes, about 15 kilometres from the capital city, Reykjavík.