Magnus Berføtts mynthistorie

Magnus Berføtt's coinage

Mint site:
Kaupang (Nidaros)
Mint-master:
Audgrim and Svein
Monetary units:
Penny
Edge inscription:

An important monetary reform was implemented during the reign of Magnus Berrføtt (Magnus Bareleg, 1093-1103). There are no known written accounts of this reform, but the coins themselves provide clear evidence. Analyses of the metal content and weight of the preserved coins testify to a deliberate change in the monetary system. The weight of the penny was reduced by one half (to ca. 0.44 g) while the silver content more than doubled. Since the latter part of Harald Hardråde's reign (1047-1066), copper had dominated in coins. From now on, however, coins were minted from almost pure silver.