Sweyn II Estridsson Viking King of Denmark Coin (1047 – 1074)

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Sweyn II Estridsson was a Viking king of Denmark between 1047 and 1076. Sweyn was born in England and was the new few of Canute the Great.

Sweyn became a jarl under the Danish King Harthacnut, leading a campaign against Norway which was repelled by Magnus of Norway. When King Harthacanute died in 1042 Sweyn claimed the Danish throne but lost to Norway's King Magnus and become Jarl of Jutland instead. Ongoing conflicts with Magnus resulted in Sweyn fleeing to Sweden.

The conflict between Magnus and Sweyn continued until 1045 when Magnus' uncle Harald Hardrada returned to Norway from exile. Sweyn and Harald combined their armies and Magnus decided to share the Norwegian throne with Harald. Upon Magnus’s death in 1047 he declared that his kingdom would be divided with Harald receiving the throne of Norway and Sweyn kingship of Denmark.

Sweyn challenged this and with Harald unwilling to relinquish Denmark a 17 year war was fought between the two kings until Harald relinquished his claims to Denmark in 1064.

Harald then sailed to England to claim the crown of England and was killed there by the forces of Harold Godwinson (the last crowned Anglo-Saxon king of England) at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

Sweyn is often considered to be Denmark's last Viking king as well as the first medieval one.

This coin is a reproduction of a coin minted in Denmark in the 11th century between approximately 1047 and 1076 and features an eagle on the face and  Paschal Lamb on the reverse.

These coins are hand-stamped by a passionate reenactor who performs historical coin minting demonstrations. As each coin is hand stamped small variations may exist adding to the hand made character of the coins.

Each coin measures 20mm in diameter.

Made from high-quality pewter.

Cards and dice also available separately.