A recent discovery by amateur metal detectorists on the Isle of Man has revealed a treasure trove of ancient coins, with some dating back over 1,000 years. The Viking silver coins, which date from AD 1000 to 1065, were found in May of this year and have been declared as treasure.
The majority of these coins were minted during the reign of Edward the Confessor (AD 1042 to 1066), with some also originating from English kings Aethelred II (AD 978 – 1016) and Canute (AD 1016 to 1035). According to Manx heritage, these coins provide valuable insights into the complex Viking Age economy on the Isle of Man.
Alison Fox, Curator for Archaeology for Manx National Heritage, expressed excitement over the find, stating, “This is a wonderful discovery which helps further our understanding of the complex Viking Age economy in the Isle of Man.” She also noted that more Viking Age silver has been uncovered per square kilometre on the Isle of Man compared to England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
The discovered coins feature various English mints, including York, London, Lincoln, Cambridge, Hastings, Ipswich, and Exeter. Additionally, Irish coins from the same era were all minted in Dublin and showcase the profile of King Sihtric Silkbeard, who served as Norse King of Dublin from AD 989 to 1036.
This finding follows a similar discovery in South Poorton, Dorset, where a couple unearthed over 1,000 gold and silver coins dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The coins, found in October 2019, were sold for £60,000 in April 2024, with speculations from the British Museum suggesting that they were buried early in the English Civil War (1642-51) by a landowner seeking to protect his wealth.
Mrs Fooks, one of the discoverers from Dorset, shared her experience, saying, “It is amazing and fascinating to find the hoard.” The discovery of these ancient coins continues to shed light on historical economies and provide valuable insight into the lives and practices of ancient civilisations.