Penning, Svealand, Johan Sverkersson, 1216–1222

This coin shows what has been interpreted as a lion’s head in profile. The lion is raising its head and sticking out its tongue. The inscription reads IOHANNES (Johan). Johan Sverkersson was king of Sweden from 1216 to 1222. The lion, in combination with the name, is meant to show King Johan’s power.

This coin is unique, this specimen being the only one with this lion motif known to date. It was found together with several other Johan Sverkersson coins in a hoard from Ljungkullen in the parish of Dimbo in Västergötland in 1870.

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

Object number: 100449_KMK

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