Penning, Svealand, Knut Eriksson, 1167–1196

Sigtuna is Sweden’s oldest town and mint. Two-sided pennings were minted there as early as the end of the 10th century, under Olof Skötkonung. After a long break, Knut Eriksson resumed minting in Sigtuna in the 1180s.

When engraving the dies used to strike motifs on the coins, test impressions were always made before the dies were approved. Two such lead test impressions have been found in Sigtuna for one of King Knut Eriksson’s coin types.

Coins matching the lead impressions have also been found in the town. Together, they provide evidence that this type of coin was minted there, and probably Knut’s many other Svealand pennings as well.

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

Object number: 100298_KMK

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