Norwegian Coin Distribution During the Reign of Håkon Håkonsson

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to develop a method of understanding coin distribution in Norway in order to identify probable locations for mints. This is done by comparing the distribution of English coin finds from the Middle Ages to the distribution of Norwegian types coin, dated to the reign of Håkon Håkonsson. Observations made from analyzing English coin finds would suggest that coins from a specific mint are more likely to be found in the area around the mint. Therefore a greater proportions of coin finds from a specific mint are found in the regions around the mint of origin. Some Norwegian coin types seem to adhere to this trend in coin distribution, however, the distribution of the Norwegian portrait type coin may indicate the presence of a travelling mint in Norway.