1035-1040 Harold I Silver Penny

Harold I Silver Penny (1035–1040)

A Rare Coin from the Short but Striking Reign of Harold Harefoot

The Harold I Silver Penny is a fascinating artifact from the early 11th century, minted during the brief reign of Harold I of England, commonly known as Harold Harefoot. As a transitional monarch between the Danish dynasty of Cnut and the later Saxon restoration under Edward the Confessor, Harold’s coins offer a rare and important glimpse into a turbulent period of English history.

🔹 Historical Background

Harold I ruled from 1035 to 1040 AD, succeeding his father King Cnut the Great after a period of dispute over succession. Though intended only to serve as regent for his younger half-brother, Harthacnut, Harold seized the throne with the backing of the English nobility and reigned as king in his own right.

His reign was marked by internal tension and dynastic rivalry, but also by the continuation of a well-organized monetary system inherited from the Anglo-Danish kingship. Despite the brevity of his rule, Harold’s coinage reflects the strength and structure of the English minting tradition of the time.

🔸 Design Features

Harold’s silver pennies followed the late Anglo-Saxon coinage tradition, which emphasized standard designs and consistent weight.

Obverse

• Portrait: Crowned bust of Harold I facing left or right, holding sceptre in some issues.

• Inscription:
  “HAROLD REX ANG” or similar variations
  (Harold, King of the English)

Reverse

• Design:  features jewel cross type

• Inscription:
  The name of the moneyer and mint town, such as “ÆLFRIC ON LVND” (Aelfric of London), connecting the coin to its place of origin.

🔹 Specifications

• Denomination: Penny

• Metal: Silver (.925 fine or similar)

• Weight: ~1.3 – 1.5 grams

• Diameter: ~18–20 mm

• Strike: Hammered

• Mints: Multiple across England – notably London, Lincoln, York, Canterbury, and others

🔸 Collectability

• Rarity: While some Harold I types are more common than others, all coins from his reign are desirable due to its short duration and the transitional nature of his kingship.

• Historical Appeal: Collectors prize these coins for their connection to the Anglo-Danish era, their artistic style, and their insight into medieval minting and governance.

🏛️ Conclusion

The Harold I Silver Penny is far more than just a coin—it is a snapshot of early medieval England at a crossroads of dynasties, cultures, and kingship. For collectors of Anglo-Saxon or Viking Age coinage, it offers a rare opportunity to hold the legacy of a little-known but pivotal English monarch.