History Coins

Cnut - Viking King of England

Cnut was born around 990 to 1000, his father was Sweyn Forkbeard, the Danish prince, he in turn was the son of Harald Bluetooth. Little is known of his childhood and indeed the name of his mother. In a later Saga he is described as 'exceptionally tall and strong and the handsomest of men, all except for his nose which is rather hooked'. In 1013 he invades England with his father, a climax to a number of Viking raids. Aethelred II, the English king, flees the country to France and Forkbeard takes over. However, he dies not long after and Cnut's elder brother Harald Bluetooth becomes King of Denmark and Cnut is elected King of England. Of course, the English nobility disagrees with this and there is a period of unrest. Once fully on the throne he rules for nearly two decades and by all accounts, extremely well.

Viking Kings of England, Cnut, Silver Penny, Pointed Helmet Type, London, 1023-1029

Obverse: +CNVT RECX A:, bust facing left wearing pointed helmet and holding sceptre in front

Reverse: Small voided cross, limbs united at base by two circles; in centre a pellet, in each angle an broken annulet enclosing a pellet, legend +LEOFPOLD ON LVN (Leofwold moneyer at London)

18mm, 0.99g

Grade: Extremely fine/very fine+, old ticket

Ref: S1158, N787

£385 (+ P&P, non-UK locations please ask first) #127

Viking Kings of England, Cnut, Silver Penny, Pointed Helmet Type, York, 1023-1029

Obverse: +CNVT REX ANG, bust facing left wearing pointed helmet and holding sceptre in front

Reverse: Small voided cross, limbs united at base by two circles; in centre a pellet, in each angle an broken annulet enclosing a pellet, legend +SVRTINC M-O EOF (Swartinc moneyer at York)

19mm, 0.92g

Grade: Very fine+ old ticket stating from Cambridge hoard

Ref: S1158, N787

£395 (+ P&P, non-UK locations please ask first) #132