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The largest coin hoard in the country’s history has been discovered in Norway, in Innlandet county.
The first coins from the Morstad Hoard were found in a field in Osterdalen by two metal-detectorists, who promptly reported the find. It was subsequently investigated by archaeologists from Innlandet County Municipality, the Museum of Cultural History, and the Norwegian Ministry of Cultural Heritage. It is thought that the hoard was originally held in a leather bag or organic container of some kind, but this has long since decomposed and the coins were scattered across the field by farming activity over the years. Systematic excavation revealed an assemblage far surpassing the archaeologists’ expectations, comprising 4,886 coins in total – larger than the next four biggest Viking Age coin hoards from Norway combined – and it is believed that the final number will exceed 5,000 coins.
The collection includes coins minted under Cnut the Great, Aethelred II, Otto III, and Harald Hardrada, as well as fragments of hacksilver, which was used as currency. Around 95% of the coins are English or German, the most widespread currencies in international trade at the time, placing Osterdalen within far-reaching trade networks. However, there are several Danish and Norwegian examples as well. This is particularly interesting, as Norway mostly relied on foreign currency until Harald Hardrada (r. 1046 1066) established a national coinage at the start of his reign. The hoard is believed to have been buried in AD 1046 or 1047, placing it right at beginning of this development.
Ground-penetrating radar survey of the field revealed no signs of related structures or other activity from this period. However, the researchers have a theory about why such a remarkable collection of riches may have been present in this area. Extensive iron production is known to have taken place in Osterdalen, particularly towards the end of the Viking Age and the start of the medieval period, as demand for the metal increased dramatically. This trade was central to the region’s economy and its connection to international trade networks. Project manager Kjetil Loftsgarden believes that the Morstad Hoard ‘provides a striking picture of the wealth that iron production created’. However, why the hoard was buried here and why no one ever came back for it remain a mystery.
Post-excavation work is under way, which involves cleaning, conserving, and documenting the coins, and new excavations of the find spot are planned for the coming autumn. Already, though, the Morstad Hoard is being heralded as a discovery of historic significance that offers a valuable glimpse into the economy and connections of Norway at a time of great change.
Text: Amy Brunskill / Images: Innlandet County Authority; Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo
