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Norway's Largest-Ever Trove of Viking Age Coins Discovered by Metal Detectorists: "Historic Find"

April 30, 2026 / 12:02 PM EDT / CBS News

Norway's Largest-Ever Trove of Viking Age Coins Discovered by Metal Detectorists: "Historic Find"

TL;DR

  • Over 3,150 Viking Age coins, the largest hoard of its kind in Norway, were discovered by metal detectorists.
  • The find was made in a field near the village of Rena, Innlandet County.
  • The coins shed light on Norway's economy during a turbulent period of political upheaval and Viking expeditions.
  • Most of the coins originated from England and Germany, with some from Denmark and Norway.
  • Experts believe the coins were minted during the reigns of Cnut the Great, Ethelred II, Otto III, and King Harald Hardrada.
  • The hoard was likely deposited between the late 10th and early 11th centuries.