Penning, Götaland, Sverker Karlsson, 1196–1208

This penning, with a backward-facing lion, is of Götaland weight. A lion walking is depicted on several different coins – from beautifully crafted to nicely stylised. These coins are believed to have been struck at the Lödöse mint. The lion is a symbol of royal power and stands for courage and strength.

More than 2,000 Gotland coins from 1140–1220 were found in a major hoard, the location of which is unknown. Of these, no fewer than 65 pennings depicted a lion walking, and two of these are like the one on display here. These coins may have been issued by King Sverker Karlsson (1196–1208), who took power after the death of Knut Eriksson.

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

Object number: 100379_KMK

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