© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Penny - Olaf Kvaran 1st reign
| Silver | 1.14 g | 20.5 mm |
| Issuer | Viking Kingdom of York (Kingdoms of British Isles and Frisia) |
|---|---|
| King | Olaf Kvaran (Óláfr Sigtryggsson) (941-944, 948-952) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 941-944 |
| Value | 1 Penny (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.14 g |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#312411 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Central small cross pattée within inner circle, legend around.
Script: Latin
Lettering: + RAÐVLF HONET Γ
Translation: Rathulf, moneyer.
Comment
Anglo-Saxon Middle Period (c.780-973), Anglo-Viking Coinages (885-954), English Coins of the Hiberno-Norse Vikings of York (c.919-954)Later period, after the battle of Brunanburh, 937 (939-954).
In 939, following the death of Aethelstan, the Vikings, under Anlaf Guthfrithsson, occupied York. This occupation lasted until Eadred defeated them in 954, although the Anglo-Saxons briefly recovered York from 944-7 and 948-9. During this occupation, the Vikings struck a variety of coin issues, all quite rare today, with fewer than 200 of all varieties combined.
Interesting fact
The Olaf Kvaran Penny is a rare and valuable coin, with only a few examples known to exist. It is believed that Olaf Kvaran, also known as Olaf Cuaran, was a Viking king who ruled the Kingdom of York, which was a Viking kingdom that existed in the 9th and 10th centuries in the area now known as Yorkshire, England. The coin's design features a stylized portrait of the king on one side and a cross on the other, which suggests that it was minted during a period of Christianization in the Viking world. Despite its age, the coin is still highly sought after by collectors and historians, and it is considered a valuable piece of history from the Viking era.
