Largest Viking Age coin hoard ever found in Norway astonishes archaeologists

Archaeologists in Norway have uncovered the country’s largest Viking Age silver coin hoard near Rena, in Innlandet County.

The Mørstad Hoard grew from an initial detector find to nearly 3,000 coins, mostly English and German issues from the 980s to 1040s.

Researchers say the cache offers rare evidence of Viking-era trade, foreign coin circulation, and Norway’s move toward its own mint.

The find may also help illuminate the political and economic world of rulers such as Cnut the Great and Harald Hardrada.