This will be the first time a woman is honoured for her achievements with a Norwegian commemorative coin.

The proposal to issue the commemorative coin was submitted by an advisory committee established by Norges Bank. The committee members are experts on coins and coin history, Norwegian history and constitutional issues.

In its recommendation, the committee writes: “The work of Anne-Cath. Vestly, not just as an author, but as an independent woman, was groundbreaking in its treatment of universal and relevant topics in new ways. Vestly wrote about new forms of family life and gender role patterns, and successfully combined lively stories with a deeper meaning. She made an outstanding contribution to promoting children’s love of reading.”

Anne-Cath. Vestly (1920-2008) is regarded as one of Norway’s most important children’s book authors. Her books described what it was like for boys and girls to grow up in post-war Norway. The author was also well-known for her radio and television work. Her voice became particularly familiar through the Norwegian children’s radio programme “Barnetimen for de minste”. Her books are still being reprinted in new editions and a number of her stories have been adapted for film.

The precise date for the commemorative coin issue will be announced at a later date.