Viking Silver Hoard Discovered by Metal Detectorists on Isle of Man

Treasure Trove: 36 Viking-Era Coins Unearthed

OCTOBER 2024 -In a remarkable discovery that highlights the potential of metal detecting in the UK, a hoard of 36 Viking-era silver coins has been officially declared as treasure following an inquest on the Isle of Man. This find serves as an inspiration to metal detectorists across the UK, showcasing the historical significance of our hobby and the potential for extraordinary discoveries lurking beneath our feet.

The declaration of this hoard as treasure underscores the importance of following proper procedures when making significant finds. It reminds us that as metal detectorists, we’re not just hobbyists, but potential discoverers of important historical artifacts that can reshape our understanding of the past.

Metal Detecting Success: A Months-Long Discovery

The discovery, made by dedicated metal detectorists John Crowe and David O’Hare, spans several months of careful searching. The majority of the coins were unearthed in January, with additional pieces recovered between February and late April. This persistence demonstrates the importance of thorough and repeated sweeps of promising sites.

Their success story serves as a valuable lesson for all UK metal detectorists. It highlights the benefits of revisiting sites multiple times and being thorough in our searches. Weather conditions, soil erosion, and agricultural activities can all contribute to bringing previously hidden objects closer to the surface, making patience and persistence key virtues in our hobby.

Historical Significance: Viking Age Economy Revealed

Alison Fox, curator of archaeology at Manx National Heritage, likened the collection to “a good size savings account” of its time. This find offers UK metal detectorists a glimpse into the complex economic systems of Viking-era Britain and Ireland, providing tangible evidence of the wealth and trade networks that existed over a thousand years ago.

The discovery of such a hoard allows archaeologists and historians to piece together more information about the Viking presence in the British Isles. For metal detectorists, it emphasizes the potential historical impact of our finds. Even a single coin can contribute to this broader understanding, making every ethical and responsible search a potential contribution to historical research.

The Isle of Man: A Viking Age Treasure Hotspot

Fox noted that this is the second find declared as treasure on the Isle of Man this year, emphasizing that the island has yielded “more Viking Age silver per square kilometre than in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales”. This fact underscores the potential for similar discoveries across the UK, encouraging detectorists to research historical Viking presence in their local areas.

For UK metal detectorists, this information serves as a reminder to thoroughly research the history of our search areas. While the Isle of Man may be a hotspot, Viking activity was widespread across the British Isles. Familiarizing ourselves with local history, old trade routes, and settlement patterns can significantly increase our chances of making significant finds.

Coin Details: What UK Detectorists Should Look For

The coins range from 17mm to 20.5mm in diameter, with some bearing small cuts used historically to test silver quality. This information can help UK metal detectorists identify similar finds in the field. Knowing the size range and potential markings of Viking-era coins can aid in quick identification during a dig.

It’s also worth noting that these coins were likely part of a buried hoard, used as a form of savings. When detecting, pay close attention to signals that might indicate multiple coins in close proximity. Remember, a single coin could be a casual loss, but a cluster might indicate a deliberate burial and potentially a hoard.

Royal Connections: English Kings on Viking Coins

The majority of the coins were minted during Edward the Confessor’s reign (1042-1066), with others featuring Kings Aethelred II (978-1016 AD) and Canute (1016-1035 AD). This mix of rulers on coins found in Viking hoards is common, reflecting the Isle of Man’s role as an “offshore financial centre” of the Viking Age.

For UK metal detectorists, this information is crucial. It reminds us that Viking finds may not always bear stereotypical Norse imagery. Coins with Anglo-Saxon kings can still be part of Viking hoards, reflecting the complex political and economic relationships of the time. When detecting in areas with potential Viking activity, be prepared to encounter a mix of coinages from different kingdoms and periods.

Expert Analysis: The Importance of Professional Evaluation

During the summer, the coins were studied by Kristin Bornholdt Collins, a world-leading expert in Viking Age coins from the island. Her analysis revealed “the variety of currencies available to an Irish Sea trader or inhabitants of Man in this period”. This underscores the importance of seeking expert evaluation for significant finds.

As responsible metal detectorists, we should always be ready to submit our finds for professional analysis. Experts can often glean information from artifacts that we might miss, contributing to a fuller understanding of the historical context. Remember, it’s not just about the individual item, but what it can tell us about the broader historical narrative.

Public Display: Sharing the Discovery

The coins will be on display at the Manx Museum, allowing the public to appreciate this significant historical find. This serves as a reminder to UK metal detectorists of the importance of reporting significant finds, which can contribute to public understanding of our shared history.

Public displays of metal detecting finds serve multiple purposes. They educate the public about local history, demonstrate the value of responsible metal detecting, and can inspire others to take up the hobby ethically. As detectorists, we should take pride in knowing that our discoveries can end up in museums, contributing to the preservation and understanding of our national heritage.

Conclusion: The Value of Responsible Metal Detecting

This discovery highlights the crucial role that responsible metal detectorists play in uncovering and preserving our nation’s history. It serves as an inspiration to UK detectorists and emphasizes the potential for significant historical discoveries across the British Isles.

As we continue our detecting hobby, let’s remember the example set by John Crowe and David O’Hare. Their find not only enriched our understanding of Viking-era economics but also demonstrated the best practices in our hobby: persistence, proper reporting, and cooperation with heritage professionals. By following in their footsteps, we can ensure that metal detecting continues to be viewed as a valuable contributor to archaeological discovery and historical preservation.

Remember, always obtain proper permissions, follow the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting, and report any significant finds to your local Finds Liaison Officer. Every signal we investigate could be the next big discovery, contributing another piece to the fascinating puzzle of our shared past.

Originally reported by the BBC here