1 Penning - Olav Haraldsson

Émetteur Norway
Année 1015-1030
Type Standard circulation coin
Valeur 1 Penning
Devise Penning (995-1387)
Composition Silver
Poids
Diamètre
Épaisseur
Forme Square (irregular)
Technique
Orientation
Graveur(s)
En circulation jusqu’à
Référence(s) Skaare#4
Description de l’avers Bust of the king wearing a pointed helmet, facing left and holding a sceptre, surrounded by the inscription. Beaded ring on the rim.
Écriture de l’avers
Légende de l’avers ONLAF RX NORMANORV
(Translation: Olav, King of Norway)
Description du revers Big double cross in the centre, surrounded by unreadable inscription. Beaded ring on the rim.
Écriture du revers
Légende du revers
Tranche
Atelier
Tirage ND (1015-1030) - -
ID Numisquare 5066855840
Informations supplémentaires

Historical Context: This 1 Penning coin hails from the pivotal reign of Olav Haraldsson (1015-1030), later Saint Olav, a figure central to Norway's unification and Christianization. His rule solidified royal authority and national identity, marking a critical transition. The issuance of royal coinage under Olav was a significant assertion of sovereignty, demonstrating his ambition to control economic functions previously dominated by foreign mints, underscoring his burgeoning kingship.

Artistry: The Skaare#4 design reflects prevailing Anglo-Scandinavian numismatic traditions, executed by local die-sinkers. The stylistic school is clearly influenced by contemporary English coinage. The obverse typically features a crude, stylized bust of the king, sometimes crowned, while the reverse commonly displays a cross motif, often with pellets or annulets in the angles. Legends are frequently blundered or semi-illiterate, characteristic of early Norwegian issues, reflecting a nascent minting infrastructure.

Technical/Grading: Like much early medieval Norwegian coinage, examples of Skaare#4 often exhibit irregular flans and off-center strikes. Key high-points for wear typically include the king's crown and facial features on the obverse, or the central knot and limb terminals of the reverse cross. Strike quality varies considerably, with legends frequently partially or entirely illegible due to weak striking or die wear. Collectors should anticipate inherent crudeness in execution, characteristic of the period's minting technology.

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