Penning, Götaland, Erik Eriksson, 1222–1229, 1234–1250

Götaland penning showing a six-pointed star with points at each angle surrounded by the crescent moon. It has been suggested that this was issued by King Erik Eriksson during his second reign from 1234 to 1250.

The moon was usually perceived as female, and in Christianity, stars suggest celestial events. The Virgin Mary is often depicted standing on a crescent moon and wearing a halo of stars.

Several pennings with a star motif were minted in Norway, but the distribution of finds suggests that this particular type is from Götaland. There are coins depicting a church building, a star and a crescent moon that we know were minted in Lödöse in the first half of the 13th century.

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

Object number: 100506_KMK

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