85, Lot: 120. Estimate $250. Sold for $190. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

DENMARK. Sven Estridsen. 1047-1075. AR Penny (17mm, 0.96 gm). Lund mint. Christ, nimbate, seated facing on throne, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels; pellet and straight lines in nimbate; monogram in right field / Voided long cross with triple crescent ends; crescents in opposite quadrants. Hauberg 6 var. (no monogram). Crude VF, minor peck marks. 

The early coinage of Estridsen shows unmistakable Byzantine influence, and can be dated as early as 1044, when he rebelled against Magnus of Norway. He was initially backed by Harald Hardrada, who rose to prominence in the Varangian Guard, bodyguards for the Byzantine emperor in Constantinople. Tradition recalls that Harald returned home with a vast treasure, which he used to support Estridsen and later to become king of Norway himself.