Viking Coin Hoard Discovered in Norway
Archaeology Magazine • • world
Key Points:
- A Viking hoard of over 3,000 silver coins was discovered in eastern Norway by metal detectorists, who responsibly involved archaeologists after initially finding 19 coins.
- The coins were likely buried in a leather pouch around 1050 AD, near the end of the Viking Age, and scattered due to plowing after the pouch decayed.
- The coins are exceptionally well-preserved, appearing almost newly minted, possibly due to the soil conditions lacking stone in the area of discovery.
- Preliminary analysis indicates most coins were minted in Germany and England, with some produced in Norway following the establishment of a national minting system in 1045 AD.
- The find offers significant insight into a fascinating period of Norwegian history and is currently housed at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo.
