King Canute Coins

Explore our range of King Canute coins, issued by The Royal Mint to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of King Canute in 1017, one of the most significant milestones in early English and Viking history. King Canute (Cnut the Great) ruled England, Denmark, and Norway, becoming one of the most powerful monarchs of the medieval period.

The 2017 Royal Mint release marks this historic anniversary with a highly detailed £5 commemorative coin series, featuring designs inspired by King Canute’s legacy as a Viking ruler and early King of England. The reverse design, created by Lee R. Jones, depicts a portrait of King Canute, while the obverse features the Fifth Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark.

This collection includes a range of finishes such as gold proof, silver proof, piedfort silver proof, and brilliant uncirculated editions, all struck to The Royal Mint’s exceptional standards. Many versions were released in strictly limited mintages, with some gold proof editions limited to just 150 pieces worldwide, making them highly sought after by collectors.

The King Canute coin is especially notable as it commemorates the first ever UK coin to mark a 1,000-year historical anniversary, making it one of the most unique modern Royal Mint releases.

Whether you are a collector of Viking history, Royal Mint £5 crowns, or limited-edition proof coins, the King Canute series represents a rare intersection of early medieval history and modern British numismatic craftsmanship.