A remarkable medieval treasure has come to light in eastern Norway, where archaeologists have uncovered what is now considered the largest Viking Age coin hoard ever found in the country. Discovered in a field near Rena in Østerdalen, the find consists of more than 3,000 silver coins, offering a rare glimpse into the economy and far-reaching connections of the medieval North.
The discovery was first presented publicly last week, drawing national attention. Archaeologists from Innlandet County Council are now working closely with metal detectorists, the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo, and the Directorate for Cultural Heritage to investigate the site and recover the remaining coins.
“This is a historic discovery,” said Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen. “The fact that it dates to the Viking Age makes it even more spectacular.”
A Treasure Without Parallel
Collection of English and German coins found close together: Photo: Innlandet County Council.
Experts have described the hoard as unprecedented in Norway. So far, more than 3,150 coins have been recovered, and archaeologists believe the total could grow as excavations continue.
“The hoard contains coins dating from the late 10th century through to the 1040s,” explains Svein Gullbekk of the Museum of Cultural History. “Foreign coinage dominated circulation in Norway until Harald Hardrada (1046–1066) established a national coinage. This hoard appears to have been deposited at the very beginning of that transition.”
Coins from Across Medieval Europe
Initial analysis shows that most of the coins are of English and German origin, with smaller numbers minted in Denmark and Norway. Among them are coins issued under well-known medieval rulers such as Cnut the Great, Æthelred II, Otto III, and Harald Hardrada.
The composition of the hoard highlights the extensive trade networks and connections that linked Norway to the rest of medieval Europe. Silver flowed into Scandinavia through trade, tribute, and Viking expeditions, and hoards such as this one provide important evidence for how wealth was accumulated and stored.
In addition to whole coins, archaeologists have also identified fragments of “hack-silver”—pieces of cut silver that were commonly used as a form of currency during the Viking Age.
A Discovery Made the Right Way
Vegard Sørlie (left) and Rune Sætre, the two detectorists who discovered Norway’s largest Viking Age coin hoard. Photo: Anne Engesveen, Innlandet County Council
The find was made by two metal detectorists, Rune Sætre and Vegard Sørlie, who initially uncovered 19 silver coins on April 10th. Recognising the potential significance of their discovery, they stopped searching and immediately contacted archaeologists.
“What makes this even more gratifying is how the find was handled,” said archaeologist May-Tove Smiseth. “Sætre and Sørli contacted us straight away and did everything correctly.”
Their actions have been widely praised as a model for responsible metal detecting, ensuring that the site could be properly documented and preserved.
A Site Under Protection
A fragment of a silver brooch, known as “hack-silver”, from the Mørstad hoard. In the Viking Age, it was the weight of the silver that mattered and cut pieces of silver could also be used as payment. Photo: Vegard Sørlie
Archaeological investigations are still ongoing, with specialists working to determine the full extent and context of the hoard. For security reasons, the site is currently under guard and has been closed to the public.
“It is crucial that specialists are allowed to investigate the find properly and gain as much knowledge as possible,” said Director General for Cultural Heritage Hanna Geiran. “Finds of this kind are automatically protected under the Cultural Heritage Act.”
The coins were discovered in ploughsoil, suggesting that the original deposit—possibly once contained in a vessel—was disturbed over time by agricultural activity. Hoarding wealth by burying it was a common practice in the medieval period, whether for safekeeping, during times of conflict, or as part of ritual behaviour.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Find
A German coin from the Mørstad hoard. These coins are typically characterised by a stylised depiction of a temple on one side. Photo: May-Tove Smiseth, Innlandet County Council
Large Viking Age coin hoards are extremely rare in Norway, with the last major find of this kind dating back to 1950.
“This is an extraordinary discovery of a kind one might experience only once in a career,” said Smiseth. “To be present when something like this comes to light is a truly remarkable experience.”
New Funding for Further Research
A coin with traces of a suspension loop, showing that it was worn as jewellery. The coin forms part of the Mørstad hoard near Rena. Photo: May-Tove Smiseth, Innlandet County Council
The discovery is already prompting further investment. The Norwegian Ministry of Cultural Heritage has announced funding of 1.2 million kroner ($130,000 US) to support continued research on the site. The funds will be used for archaeological investigations and ground-penetrating radar surveys to better understand the extent of the hoard and its context.
“We have now found a fantastic treasure. But there is still a lot we do not know about the discovery and the place where it was found,” said Hanna Geiran. “Why was the coin hoard deposited right here at Rena, and who deposited it here? Could Harald Hardråde himself have something to do with this? Perhaps archaeologists can now give us more answers.”
Geiran also stressed that the site should not be visited, as experts continue their work.
Photo: Innlandet County Council.
With thousands of coins already recovered and more likely still buried, the Rena hoard promises to shed new light on the medieval history of Norway—offering insights into trade, power, and the movement of silver during one of the most dynamic periods of the Viking Age.
Top Image: A coin from the Mørstad hoard near Rena showing a kings head in profile. The inscription includes the king’s name: EDELRED. Photo: May-Tove Smiseth, Innlandet County Council
A remarkable medieval treasure has come to light in eastern Norway, where archaeologists have uncovered what is now considered the largest Viking Age coin hoard ever found in the country. Discovered in a field near Rena in Østerdalen, the find consists of more than 3,000 silver coins, offering a rare glimpse into the economy and far-reaching connections of the medieval North.
The discovery was first presented publicly last week, drawing national attention. Archaeologists from Innlandet County Council are now working closely with metal detectorists, the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo, and the Directorate for Cultural Heritage to investigate the site and recover the remaining coins.
“This is a historic discovery,” said Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen. “The fact that it dates to the Viking Age makes it even more spectacular.”
A Treasure Without Parallel
Experts have described the hoard as unprecedented in Norway. So far, more than 3,150 coins have been recovered, and archaeologists believe the total could grow as excavations continue.
“The hoard contains coins dating from the late 10th century through to the 1040s,” explains Svein Gullbekk of the Museum of Cultural History. “Foreign coinage dominated circulation in Norway until Harald Hardrada (1046–1066) established a national coinage. This hoard appears to have been deposited at the very beginning of that transition.”
Coins from Across Medieval Europe
Initial analysis shows that most of the coins are of English and German origin, with smaller numbers minted in Denmark and Norway. Among them are coins issued under well-known medieval rulers such as Cnut the Great, Æthelred II, Otto III, and Harald Hardrada.
The composition of the hoard highlights the extensive trade networks and connections that linked Norway to the rest of medieval Europe. Silver flowed into Scandinavia through trade, tribute, and Viking expeditions, and hoards such as this one provide important evidence for how wealth was accumulated and stored.
In addition to whole coins, archaeologists have also identified fragments of “hack-silver”—pieces of cut silver that were commonly used as a form of currency during the Viking Age.
A Discovery Made the Right Way
The find was made by two metal detectorists, Rune Sætre and Vegard Sørlie, who initially uncovered 19 silver coins on April 10th. Recognising the potential significance of their discovery, they stopped searching and immediately contacted archaeologists.
“What makes this even more gratifying is how the find was handled,” said archaeologist May-Tove Smiseth. “Sætre and Sørli contacted us straight away and did everything correctly.”
Their actions have been widely praised as a model for responsible metal detecting, ensuring that the site could be properly documented and preserved.
A Site Under Protection
Archaeological investigations are still ongoing, with specialists working to determine the full extent and context of the hoard. For security reasons, the site is currently under guard and has been closed to the public.
“It is crucial that specialists are allowed to investigate the find properly and gain as much knowledge as possible,” said Director General for Cultural Heritage Hanna Geiran. “Finds of this kind are automatically protected under the Cultural Heritage Act.”
The coins were discovered in ploughsoil, suggesting that the original deposit—possibly once contained in a vessel—was disturbed over time by agricultural activity. Hoarding wealth by burying it was a common practice in the medieval period, whether for safekeeping, during times of conflict, or as part of ritual behaviour.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Find
Large Viking Age coin hoards are extremely rare in Norway, with the last major find of this kind dating back to 1950.
“This is an extraordinary discovery of a kind one might experience only once in a career,” said Smiseth. “To be present when something like this comes to light is a truly remarkable experience.”
New Funding for Further Research
The discovery is already prompting further investment. The Norwegian Ministry of Cultural Heritage has announced funding of 1.2 million kroner ($130,000 US) to support continued research on the site. The funds will be used for archaeological investigations and ground-penetrating radar surveys to better understand the extent of the hoard and its context.
“We have now found a fantastic treasure. But there is still a lot we do not know about the discovery and the place where it was found,” said Hanna Geiran. “Why was the coin hoard deposited right here at Rena, and who deposited it here? Could Harald Hardråde himself have something to do with this? Perhaps archaeologists can now give us more answers.”
Geiran also stressed that the site should not be visited, as experts continue their work.
With thousands of coins already recovered and more likely still buried, the Rena hoard promises to shed new light on the medieval history of Norway—offering insights into trade, power, and the movement of silver during one of the most dynamic periods of the Viking Age.
Top Image: A coin from the Mørstad hoard near Rena showing a kings head in profile. The inscription includes the king’s name: EDELRED. Photo: May-Tove Smiseth, Innlandet County Council
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