Norway (Nidaros?) AR Penning ND - Harald Hardråde (1047-1066)

0.74g. XF/XF. 

Obv.: Triquetra, pellet in each outer angle; blundered legend “…M· ·ИOIG· ·И…”. 

Rev.: Voided cross within linear circle; small cross pattée in 1 quarter, triple pellets in 2 others; blundered legend “…IIXIICIIN…” 

Skaare –. 

Extremely rare. 

Harald Hardråde, or “Harald the Hard-Ruler,” reigned from 1047 until his death in 1066. A seasoned warrior and statesman, Harald served in the Byzantine Varangian Guard before returning to Norway to claim the throne. His rule was marked by centralization of royal power, Christian consolidation, and military ambition.

He is perhaps best known for his failed invasion of England in 1066, where he was killed at the Battle of Stamford Bridge — an event that marked the beginning of the end of the Viking Age.

Coinage from Harald’s reign is exceedingly rare, as Norway's minting tradition was still in its infancy, and silver issues were struck in limited numbers, often with local variation and rudimentary inscriptions.

Unlisted in Skaare and absent from most major collections, this piece is extremely rare and likely struck at Nidaros (modern-day Trondheim), the ecclesiastical and political heart of medieval Norway.