Summary

Silver coin; Denomination: Penny
London Mint (may be a Danish copy)
Cnut (1016- 1035) King of All England
Moneyer: Eadwin; Type: Short Cross Penny (1029-1035)

Cnut became king of England when he defeated and killed Eadmund Ironside, son of Aethelred the Unready in 1016. In 1017 he married Aethelred's widow Emma to secure his position in England. In 1019 he succeeded to the throne of Denmark and in 1028 he was recognized as King of Norway. Cnut brought an end to years of Viking raids by his control of Denmark and Norway and by maintaining a standing army and navy in England. He died on 12 November 1035 but his son, Harthacnut was unable to leave Denmark to claim his English throne. As a result, Harold, Harthacnut's half-brother and illegitimate son of Cnut, was appointed regent, with Queen Emma holding Wessex for Harthacnut. Harold drove Emma out of the country in 1137, he became Harold I she returned to Normandy where her brother was the Duke.

Obverse Description

A diademed bust facing left with sceptre with lis head; around, CNVT REX (some letters inverted).

Reverse Description

At centre within circle, short cross voided; around, + EDPNL ON LVND

Edge Description

Plain

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