Penning, Sigtuna, Olof Skötkonung, circa 995–1000

This coin is one of the first ever minted in Sweden, and was made in Sigtuna in around 995 AD. It’s inspired by the English “Crux” coin type, which means “cross”. The name comes from the letters in the angles of the cross.

These coins were of political and religious significance. They can be viewed as a kind of Christian propaganda in an area where the Norse faith was still strong. The coins can be said to mark the official conversion to Christianity.

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

Object number: 100065_KMK

<   5 of 88  >