A silver penny of Cnut found near Rothley, Leicestershire. (c) Portable Antiquities Scheme, CC BY-SA 4.0
Description
Coin of Cnut the Great (LEIC-3E8CC4)
A silver penny of Cnut found near Rothley, Leicestershire
This silver Helmet IIIc Type penny was minted for King Cnut of England in London. The obverse inscription reads CNVTREXANG while the obverse reads EADPOLD ON LVND.
Minting coins was a way of controlling the means of exchange within a kingdom and which created a more easily administered standardized system of trade. Moreover, the coins themselves were often used as propaganda, portaying symbols and statements that gave off a desired message. The Vikings later used the minting of coins to legitimize their own rule.
