BBC - A History of the World - Object : Viking Silver Penny of Harald Hardrada

Silver Penny of Harald Hardrada. Obverse: I’IOICI+‘ICIOI with Triquetra. Reverse: NIIAIIXIXI with Short Voided Cross.

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Probably looted by Harold's army in 1066 at Stamford Bridge, from the defeated Viking army of Harald Hardrada.We can only speculate how the coin ended up where it did. It was found close to a Roman road (The Great North Road) a few miles north of where it runs across the River Don at Doncaster, close to the Anglo-Saxon settlement at Conisbrough (translated from Old English as King's Stronghold). It could be evidence of early trade between Anglo-Saxon settlements in and around Doncaster and Viking traders, or it may relate to the events of 1066 when Harald Hardrada's army crossed the English Channel with the deposed Earl of Northumbria - Tostig, to seize the English throne from Tostig's brother Harold. Perhaps it was even looted from the defeated Viking army after the battle of Stamford Bridge and lost as Harold's army rushed southward to Hastings to meet William's invading Norman army.

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