"Perhaps the king himself held it in his hands." An unusual discovery in a Viking treasure

In spring, a discovery was made near the town of Rena in eastern Norway, which is now considered the largest hoard of Viking-era coins in the history of the country. A veritable "sea" of silver was found - currently the number of recovered coins has already exceeded 5,500 pieces, and specialists estimate that there may be even more.

Among this impressive collection, one coin caught particular attention. When cataloging the find, archaeologist Anne Skogsfjord initially believed that it was an Anglo-Saxon coin from the time of Æthelred II. However, more detailed research revealed the inscription ONLAF R+ NORMANORV, which clearly indicated Olaf II Haraldsson, king of Norway who reigned in the years 1015–1028.

Olaf Haraldsson was one of the most influential rulers of early medieval Norway. His reign fell on a breakthrough period - the time of the country's Christianization. After his death at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, he was canonized and is still considered the patron saint of Norway.

Coins minted during his reign are absolute rarities. Fewer than 20 examples are known, most of which were found outside Norway. The recently discovered coin is only the second such case in the country in the last hundred years.

The newly identified coin was minted between 1024 and 1028. The obverse shows a portrait of Olaf wearing a characteristic conical helmet. The inscription ONLAF R+ NORMANORV identifies him as Olaf, King of the Norwegians. The reverse is decorated with a Christian cross - a symbol of the new faith that Olaf was introducing in his country.

Specialists agree that these coins had not only economic value, but above all political and religious value.

Here we have a coin with the image of a king and a cross, with another cross on the other side. This is a Christianization coin. We see how King Olaf used coins to legitimize the new faith and to establish himself as a Christian ruler of European stature. This is branding - explains prof. Svein H. Gullbekk from the University of Oslo.

There are numerous small cuts visible on the surface of the coin, which - as scientists explain - were used to check the silver content during transactions. This means that the coin was in circulation and could change hands many times.

Experts do not rule out that Olaf Haraldsson himself could have had this coin in his hand.

Olaf Haraldsson personally decided what these coins should look like and may have been present when they were minted. It is quite possible that the king once had this coin in his hand, adds Gullbekk.

Discovery of a rare coin of St. Olaf in the greatest Viking treasure is an event of great scientific and cultural importance. For the first time in a hundred years, archaeologists have the opportunity to examine a coin minted during the reign of one of the most important rulers of early medieval Norway - a king who not only united the country, but also brought it into the circle of Christian Europe.