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Viking Gold Coin Unearthed in Norfolk Field
22 Feb
Summary
- A rare gold coin from the Viking Great Army era was found.
- The coin, an imitation of Louis the Pious solidus, dates to AD814-840.
- It's one of 22 similar imitation gold coins found in Britain.
A remarkable discovery has been made in a Norfolk field: a gold coin pendant once lost by a soldier of the Viking Great Army. The artifact is a rare imitation of a Louis the Pious solidus, dating from AD814-840. Found by a metal detectorist in September 2024, the coin likely arrived in Norfolk with the "heathen force" that invaded England in AD865.
Coin expert Simon Coupland highlighted the coin's unusual nature, being gold, minted on the continent, and associated with the Vikings. This particular imitation is one of 22 discovered in Britain, which collectively help chart the movements of the formidable Viking Great Army. These finds are instrumental in aiding archaeologists and historians.
The imitation closely copies an original coin from around 816, believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes. More than 100 later imitations exist, primarily found in western Europe, often originating from workshops in Frisia. This find is considered a particularly fine specimen and is currently undergoing the treasure process, with Norwich Castle Museum hoping to acquire it.
