'The detectors never stopped beeping!' Nearly 3,000 coins discovered in field are Norway's largest Viking hoard on record
Archaeologists in Norway have discovered a Viking Age hoard of 2,970 silver coins, the largest such find in the country's history. The coins, mostly from England, Germany, Denmark, and Norway, were found on a farm near the village of Rena. Experts believe the hoard was buried around 1050, coinciding with the rise of Norwegian national coinage.
- ▪The hoard consists of 2,970 silver coins, making it the largest Viking coin hoard ever found in Norway.
- ▪The coins were minted under rulers including Æthelred II, Cnut the Great, and Otto III, with a few from Harald Hardrada's reign.
- ▪Archaeologists suggest the wealth may have come from iron production and trade rather than raiding.
- ▪The find was made by metal detectorists who alerted authorities, leading to a larger excavation.
- ▪Experts believe the hoard was deposited around 1050, marking a transition to Norwegian national coinage.
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Archaeology Vikings 'The detectors never stopped beeping!' Nearly 3,000 coins discovered in field are Norway's largest Viking hoard on record A Viking Age hoard of nearly 3,000 coins is the largest hoard of its kind ever found in Norway. By Kristina Killgrove published 30 April 2026 in News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. This coin shows a king's head in profile and identifies him as EDELRED (Æthelred the Unready).
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