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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.: CM.2266-1997

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Titles

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.

Maker(s)

Ruler: Sweyn II Estridsson (1047-76)

Entities

Categories

Description

Denmark, Sven Estridsen (1047-75), silver, double penny, Lund mint, moneyer Wulfet, Byzantine type; obv. I[ ]IIII / II / LFNI:, the Archangel Michael and the emperor holding a labarum; rev. +P / [ ]L / F / ET O/ I, Christ enthroned (Hauberg -, unique; type as penny, Hauberg 7); 22.5mm, 1.92g. From W. Conte (Baldwin sale 13, lot 1443, not sold); ex S. Bendall; found in East Anglia, c.1990. Published M. Fornitz, 'En dobbeltpenning fra Svend Estridsen?', Nordisk Numismatik Unions Medlemsblad 1994, pp. 2-5. See also NACF Review 1997.

Notes

History note: Under Review

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bought (1997-10-13) by Conte, William J., Dr

Dating

11th Century, Mid
11th Century, Late
1047 - 1095

Components of the work

Object composed of silver Weight 1.92 g

Identification numbers

Accession number: CM.2266-1997
Primary reference Number: 271871

Audit data

Created: Tuesday 17 November 2020 Updated: Tuesday 21 October 2025

Associated departments & institutions

Owner or interested party: The Fitzwilliam Museum
Associated department: Coins and Medals

Citation for print

This record can be cited in the Harvard Bibliographic style using the text below:

The Fitzwilliam Museum (2025) "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." Web page available at: https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/271871 Accessed: 2025-12-05 18:40:24

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{{cite web|url=https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/271871 |title=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. |author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2025-12-05 18:40:24|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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        alt="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."
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        <figcaption class="figure-caption text-info">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.</figcaption>
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