Penning, Svealand, Knut Eriksson, 1167–1196

The motif shows a large, almost completely dissolved head, probably wearing a royal crown. On the left is an upraised sword. The face has been reduced to just three large dots. Everything is framed by a beaded ring.

There are several variants, some of which bear no resemblance at all to a face unless you know this is what you are looking for. It is assumed that these were issued in large numbers during the latter part of King Knut Eriksson’s reign. Had Knut completely lost control of the coinage?

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

Object number: 100335_KMK

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