DENMARK. Harald Blåtand (Bluetooth), circa 958/9-986. Half Bracteate (Halbbrakteat) (Silver, 19 mm, 0.58 g, 12 h), imitating class 2 deniers of Charlemagne from Dorestadt. Haithabu (Hedeby), circa 960-970. Four parallel vertical lines, double crescent above, cross below, ten pellets around. Hauberg 1. Malmer KG 8. Moesgaard pl. 23, 12.001. A rare and nicely toned type. Minor areas of weakness and small deposits, otherwise, very fine.


Harald 'Bluetooth' Gormsson (Harald Blåtand Gormsen) was the first ruler to bring Denmark together under a single crown, reigning from 958 to 986. He also played a central role in advancing the Christianization of his kingdom.

The modern Bluetooth wireless standard for computers, mobile phones, and related devices takes its name from Harald Bluetooth, honoring his reputation for uniting several smaller realms into one larger kingdom. The logo represents the initials H and B as a bind rune - a monogram formed from the runes Hagalaz and Berkano.

A comparable type, distinguished by the unmistakable triangle in the right field of the reverse, is recorded from the significant Pilhus hoard (near Ringkøbing, Denmark), deposited around 975 and discovered in 1939 (cf. J. C. Moesgaard: King Harold’s Cross Coinage, p. 228).