Page "Flag of Denmark" Paragraph 46

However, several coins, seals and images exist, both foreign and domestic, from the 13th to 15th centuries and even earlier, showing flags similar to Dannebrog.

In the 19th and early 20th century, these images were used by many Danish historians, with a good flair of nationalism, trying to date the origins of the flag to 1219.

However, if one examines the few existing foreign sources about Denmark from the 13th to 15th centuries, it is apparent that, at least from foreign point of view ; the national symbol of Denmark was not a red-and-white banner but the royal coat of arms ( three blue lions on a golden shield.

) This coat of arms remains in use to this day.