Obverse: The obverse shows the coat of arms of Iceland surrounded by four traditional Icelandic guardian spirits (Landvættir). These are the bull Griðungur, the eagle Gammur, the dragon Drake and the giant Bergrisi. The name of the country "ÍSLAND" is engraved at the top of the obverse, and the denomination "500 KRÓNUR" at the bottom.
Reverse: The reverse features a portrait of Jón Sigurðsson, leader of the 19th century Icelandic independence movement. The coin legend "JÓN SIGURÐSSON 1811 · 17. JÚNI · 1961" is placed around the portrait.
About the coin: The coin was issued to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Jon Sigurðsson.
