Very Rare Scandinavian Imitation

CNG 96, Lot: 1416. Estimate $500. Sold for $3250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Cnut. 1016-1035. AR Penny (18mm, 1.15 g, 9h). Scandinavian imitation of English Short Cross type (BMC xvi, Hild. H) from Norwich mint, moneyer Manna. + CNVT REX Λ(NG), diademed bust left; scepter before / + MANI ON O NRÐP, voided short cross with pellet-in-annulet in center. SCBI 15 (Copenhagen), 3202 (same dies); cf. North 790; cf. SCBC 1159; Triton VI, lot 1397 (same dies). EF, toned. Very rare.

Although Galster (in SCBI 15) placed the Copenhagen piece among the official Norwich issues, this attribution is unlikely. First, the overall style of the types and epigraphy is very different from that found on this type at Norwich. Second, the mint signature is unorthodox, as is the spelling of the moneyer Manna as Mani. Third, the legend on the reverse begins at 10 o’clock, which is another highly unusual occurrence. These three aspects of the coin, when taken together, more likely suggest an imitative issue rather than a coin struck from poorly-engraved dies. The fact that the Copenhagen piece is from a hoard found in Lübeck strengthens the Scandinavian connection. As Cnut’s North Sea possessions included Denmark and Norway, his coins were imitated in both of these countries, although these imitations have been poorly studied to date. Other issues bearing a mint signature similar to the present piece have been found in Kelstrup, Denmark and Store Valby, Norway. Of course, the pattern of trade extended far beyond the borders of Cnut’s empire, and imitations have been found in Finland, Sweden, and some regions of northern Europe.