Three amateur metal detectorists unearthed two treasure troves of Viking \ coins from 1,000 years ago. Jane FogedMønster, Louise Stahlschmidt, and Mette Norre Bækgaard uncovered the treasures while they were on vacation in Hobro, North Denmark. They found the two collections of treasures 50 meters (~164 ft) apart in the same field. Amidst the 300 silver items they found, many were from Danish, German, and Arabic.
The Danish coins date back to the rule of Viking King Harald Blåtand (958 – 987 CE). The coins display a cross on one side, which hints that they were minted between 970 and 980 CE. The monarch’s previous currencies did not feature a cross. Experts think the cross might have been added to spread Christianity among the Danish. The collection of treasures also included cut-up pieces of silver jewelry. Professionals from Nordjyske Museums think the jewelry was stolen by the Vikings, cut up into pieces, then used as currency.
Experts are not sure what the cut-up jewelry was used for. It could have been because of the shortage of coins or if it was because it was just more convenient using small pieces of silver.
The professionals say the trove was buried around the same time the settlement was abandoned. This might mean the ruler was forced out of the kingdom and he buried the treasure before he left the area. The researchers plan to further investigate the area once harvesting season is over and have evidence that the items were buried inside of or close to the main buildings.
The items will be displayed at Denmark’s Aalborg Historical Museum starting July 1, 2023.
The Danish coins date back to the rule of Viking King Harald Blåtand (958 – 987 CE). The coins display a cross on one side, which hints that they were minted between 970 and 980 CE. The monarch’s previous currencies did not feature a cross. Experts think the cross might have been added to spread Christianity among the Danish. The collection of treasures also included cut-up pieces of silver jewelry. Professionals from Nordjyske Museums think the jewelry was stolen by the Vikings, cut up into pieces, then used as currency.
Experts are not sure what the cut-up jewelry was used for. It could have been because of the shortage of coins or if it was because it was just more convenient using small pieces of silver.
The professionals say the trove was buried around the same time the settlement was abandoned. This might mean the ruler was forced out of the kingdom and he buried the treasure before he left the area. The researchers plan to further investigate the area once harvesting season is over and have evidence that the items were buried inside of or close to the main buildings.
The items will be displayed at Denmark’s Aalborg Historical Museum starting July 1, 2023.