First Previous 1 OF 6 NextLast

King Edward

1 of 6 portraits by Theodoric

© National Portrait Gallery, London

 Like voting
is closed

Thanks for Liking

Please Like other favourites!
If they inspire you please support our work.

Buy a print Buy a greetings card Make a donation Close

King Edward

by Manwine, from a die attributed to Theodoric
silver penny, 1065
3/4 in. (19 mm) diameter
Purchased, 1958
Primary Collection
NPG 4048

Sitterback to top

  • King Edward (circa 1003-1066), Known as 'The Confessor', reigned 1043-66. Sitter in 8 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Manwine, Medallist. Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
  • Theodoric (active 1065-1071), Medallist. Artist or producer associated with 6 portraits.

This portraitback to top

In the Anglo-Saxon era, portraits on coins were intended as emblems of kingship rather than individual likenesses. However, they demonstrate how leaders could reinforce their claim to rule by disseminating their own image on objects that were used and exchanged on a daily basis. The ruler’s portrait also provided confidence in the legitimacy of the coinage.

Linked publicationsback to top

Comments back to top

We are currently unable to accept new comments, but any past comments are available to read below.

If you need information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service . Please note that we cannot provide valuations. You can buy a print or greeting card of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at around £6 for unframed prints, £16 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Use this image button, or contact our Rights and Images service. We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.