8 Skilling - Christian V

Christian V did not formally assume the Norwegian throne until 1670, the same year this piece was struck — his father Frederick III had died in February, ending a reign that had transformed Denmark-Norway into an absolute hereditary monarchy just a decade earlier. The 8 skilling denomination occupied an awkward middle position in the Norwegian monetary hierarchy, useful enough for everyday commerce but too small for major transactions, which left most examples in hard circulation.

Kongsberg, the sole Norwegian mint, was still refining its operations around silver from the Numedal mines discovered in 1623. Dies from this period show inconsistency in depth and alignment.