Svend Tveskæg Silver Penny Coin

Coins issued by Sweyn Forkbeard (reigned c. 986–1014) are among the most historically significant in Viking history, as he was the first Danish king to have his name struck on a coin. Unlike Æthelred, Sweyn did not issue coins in his name while ruling England (1013–1014); his official coinage is exclusively Danish.

The Svend Tveskæg Silver Penny (c. 995)
This is the only official coin type issued by Sweyn. It was minted in Denmark around 995, heavily influenced by the English “CRUX” penny design of his rival, Æthelred the Unready.

Rarity and Mintage: Historical estimates suggest no more than 20,000 were originally minted. Today, they are exceptionally rare, with many residing in museum collections like the Economy Museum in Sweden.

Design Details:
Obverse: Features a bust of Sweyn with the inscription SVEN REX AD DENER (“Sweyn, King of the Danes”).
Reverse: A cross with the inscription GODPINE M AN DNER (“Godwine, moneyer in Denmark”).
Market Value: Due to their extreme rarity, these coins seldom appear on the open market.
Auction Realization: A rare “imitative” type associated with Sweyn’s reign, struck from York dies but minted in Scandinavia (likely Lund), recently realized $8,500 (~£6,700) at auction.
Estimated Value: A genuine, high-grade specimen of the primary “Svend Tveskæg” type would likely exceed £10,000–£15,000 if it reached a major public auction today.