Penning, Svealand, Ulf fase jarl, 1230–1247

The inscription on this coin reads VLF IARL (Ulf Jarl). Ulf Fase was a jarl (the king’s closest relative) from the late 1220s, and the nickname “Fase” suggests that he was not considered a gentle man. The hand on this coin could be a wolf’s paw and may refer to a wolf.

The function of the jarl was to take the place of the regent when necessary. Ulf Fase was “Jarl of the Swedes and the Goths” until his death in 1247. He had minting rights, i.e. the right to issue his own coins.

This specimen was found in a hoard together with several King Knut the Tall pennings. The hoard was found when a cemetery wall in Eskilstuna was demolished in 1879.

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

Object number: 100505_KMK

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