The kroon (sign: kr; code: EEK) was the official currency of Estonia for two periods in history: 1928–1940 and 1992–2011. Between 1 January and 14 January 2011, the kroon circulated together with the euro, after which the euro became the sole legal tender in Estonia. The kroon was subdivided into 100 cents (senti; singular sent). The word kroon (Estonian pronunciation: [ˈkroːn], “crown”) is related to that of the Nordic currencies (such as the Swedish krona and the Danish and Norwegian krone) and derived from the Latin word corona (“crown”). The kroon succeeded the mark in 1928 and was in use until the Soviet invasion in 1940 and Estonia’s subsequent incorporation into the Soviet Union when it was replaced by the Soviet ruble. After Estonia regained its independence, the kroon was reintroduced in 1992 and replaced by the euro in 2011.
EEK Coins
In 1992, coins were introduced (some dated 1991) in denominations of 5, 10, 20 & 50 senti, as well as 1 kroon. The 1 kroon was struck in cupronickel, the others in aluminum-bronze. However, in 1997, nickel-plated steel 20 senti were introduced, followed by aluminum-bronze 1 kroon in 1998. 5 senti coins were not issued after 1994 but were still legal tender. The cupronickel 1 kroon coins from 1992, 1993 and 1995 were demonetized on 31 May 1998 because they were too similar in weight and composition to German one-mark coins, and new 1 kroon coins were issued.[9] The 5 krooni coins were commemorative pieces and were rarely seen in circulation.
Coins in circulation before being replaced by the euro:[10]
5 senti (1991, 1992, 1995)
10 senti (1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2008)
20 senti (1992, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008)
50 senti (1992, 2004, 2006, 2007)
1 kroon (1992, 1993, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2008)
5 krooni (1993, 1994).
EEK Banknotes
In 1992, banknotes were introduced in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 100 and 500 krooni. Some of the 5, 10, 25, 100 and 500 krooni notes were dated 1991. In 1994, a 50 krooni note was introduced. Unlike others, the 1 kroon and 50 krooni notes were issued only once.
Notes in circulation before being replaced by the euro:
1 kroon (1992),
2 krooni (1992, 2006, 2007),
5 krooni (1991, 1992, 1994),
10 krooni (1991, 1992, 1994, 2006, 2007),
25 krooni (1991, 1992, 2002, 2007),
50 krooni (1994),
100 krooni (1991, 1992, 1994, 1999, 2007),
500 krooni (1991, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2007).