The Fitzwilliam Museum - A coin of outstanding importance. Only two double pennies are known, the other of the same ruler, mint and moneyer but a different design, being in the Danish National Collation (Hauberg 1). The phenomenon of a multiple denomination is quite extraordinary for eleventh-century Europe. The design is that of a regular penny (Hauberg 7), but the dies and flan are larger and the coin is twice the weight of a penny (c.0.95g). Its purpose is a matter of debate. It is unlikely that it could ever in practice have had a monetary function, and it was probably intended as a presentation piece. The design imitates a Byzantine histamenon nomisma of Michael V (1041-2), and it is one of a group of coin designs of Sven Estridsen that were apparently inspired by Byzantine coins in the treasure brought back to Scandinavia in 1045 by Harald Hardrada following his service in the Imperial guard.

Image attached to CM.2266-1997

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