Penning, Svealand, archbishop, circa 1200
This coin shows a bishop’s head with the symbols of the bishopric, a mitre (bishop’s hat) with hanging bands and a crosier (a shepherd’s staff). The mitre was used on festive occasions. The staff is the sign of the bishop’s shepherding role – within the Church, the bishop is like a shepherd leading his flock.
This coin type was probably issued around the turn of the 13th century. They are of Svealand weight, but have mainly been found in Västergötland and Värmland, which belong to the Diocese of Skara, our oldest and largest diocese. They may possibly have been issued for use within the diocese.
As many as 34 coins were found in 1956 in a grave at the Blidsberg Cemetery in Västergötland, together with other coins of an ecclesiastical nature.
