Skulderspenning

Skulderspenning is a historical term used in parts of Scandinavia to describe a small coin-like token or badge associated with the shoulder. The name combines skulder (shoulder) and penning (penny). In medieval and early modern contexts, skulderspenning referred to a token or coin worn on the shoulder, typically attached to a garment, harness, or strap. It served various functions, including as a form of pay, a sign of rank or unit affiliation, or a loyalty badge granted by a lord or sovereign.

Origins and usage: The practice appears in regional records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, though surviving evidence is fragmentary. In some cases, it was part of soldiers’ daily wages, distributed as small tokens rather than full coinage, usable for purchasing basic goods. In others, it functioned as a ceremonial or symbolic badge marking service, rank, or membership in a group.

Form and material: Skulderspenning could be minted coins or simple tokens, sometimes bearing heraldic or decorative motifs. They were worn on the shoulder, with cords, lanyards, or attached to a strap, making them visibly displayed.

Historical interpretation: Modern scholars view skulderspenning as a flexible concept with regional variations rather than a single standardized institution. It illustrates how medieval economies used small tokens to facilitate payments, display status, and reinforce social bonds. See also discussions of medieval coinage, insignia, and military wages to situate skulderspenning within broader historical contexts.