Above is a silver shortcross penny of King Cnut which was minted between the years 1029 and 1036. It is so called due to the limbs of the cross on the reverse terminating at the circle rather than extending to the edge of the coin.
The obverse legend starts at 12 O'clock reading:
"
+CNV. .TRECX"
The obverse features a portrait much like the first picture with the enrobed bust facing left, diademed with a sceptre in front.
The reverse legend also starts at 12 O'clock:
"
+ADA.ONHVNTED:"
This tells us that Ada was the moneyer who minted this penny at Huntingdon mint, i.e. Ada On Hunted.
--------------------------------------
Above is another Cnut Shortcross penny. This time the mint is Stamford and the moneyer is Thurstan.
The obverse legend starts at 12 O'clock reading:
"
+CNVT .RECX"
The reverse legend also starts at 12 O'clock:
"
+DVSTANONSTANFOR:" with the "
O" and "
R" of "
STANFOR" being ligated.
--------------------------------------
Another penny, same type as the aforementioned two. This one was minted by Swartinc at Lincoln, this can be deduced from the reverse legend reading:
"
+SPERTINCONLIN" with the "
NC" being ligated and the P essentially being a W.
Cnut's shortcross types are very nice examples of the coinage being produced at the time with their simple, yet striking, design. They are one of my favourite Early Medieval designs on a coinage due to their remarkable simplicity.
Kindest Regards,
Clive.