temp. Harald Hardråde to Olav Kyrre Penny ND (c. 1065-1080) AU55 NGC, cf. Schive-3.17 (under Harald Haarderaade), Skaare-Unl., ABH-2. 0.90gm. An intriguing and seldom-encountered Norwegian type, clearly derivative from the contemporary pennies of the Anglo-Saxon rulers of England. Although ascribed directly to Olav Kyrre on the holder, most of the derivative "bust" issues of the period are difficult to attribute to the reign of Olav or his father Harald, who initiated the series. Pennies with Runic legends occasionally carry the name of Olav, though those on this piece are more or less illiterate and stylized versions of the original Latin/Old English (the obverse appears IOIO... and the reverse a series of O's and crescents, cf. Skaare-18 for similar legends).

HID09801242017

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