Penning, Svealand, Knut Eriksson, 1167–1196

In the 1180s, King Knut – Canute – had coins minted bearing a royal image and his name at the Sigtuna mint, where we believe this particular silver penning came from. He was the first king since the days of Olof Skötkonung and his son Anund to state his own name on coins.

The royal image is surrounded by the word KANVTVS (= Knut in Latin). The crown is adorned with hanging bands at the sides, the royal cloak is held together with a buckle. The aim of the cloak was to make the wearer appear powerful. No further royal attributes were needed. There is no doubt here about who was both king and coin issuer.

Image rights: Helena Bonnevier, Ekonomiska museet - Kungliga myntkabinettet/SHM (CC BY 4.0)

Object number: 100257_KMK

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