Penning, Svealand, uncertain ruler, circa 1200–1280

In 1987, a previously unknown type of bracteate was found during excavations at Gränna church. Bracteates are coins that have an image on one side only, and the motif on this type is a banner over a coat of arms. The letters A-RVS appear on either side. This bracteate can be dated to the 13th century on stylistic grounds, but who the mintmaster was, i.e. who had the coin made, is unknown.

The coat of arms may suggest that the coin was struck by a nobleman, while the banner suggests an ecclesiastical person. Weighing 0.23g, this bracteate was struck according to the Svealand coinage. The letters A-RVS refer to a city, which could be Uppsala or Västerås.

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

Object number: 100583_KMK

<   60 of 88  >