Penning, Götaland, Sverker Karlsson, 1196–1208

This coin with a backward-facing lion may have been issued for King Sverker Karlsson and minted in Lödöse. Sverker reigned between 1196 and 1208.

The lion is a symbol of power, and this is the first time the symbol appears on Swedish coins. The lion is found in several variants on pennings made in Götaland.

Three coins of this type, but not this specimen, were found in the church tower in Bjälbo, Östergötland in 1981. The church tower was built in the 13th century and contains a room that is commonly known as Ingrid Ylva’s chamber. Ingrid was the mother of Birger Jarl, who grew up in Bjälbo.

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

Object number: 100383_KMK

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