Rare Saint Olaf coin uncovered among Norway's largest Viking treasure
Archaeologists have identified a unique coin bearing Saint Olaf's image among the thousands of pieces in the Mørstad treasure discovered in Østerdalen.
A distinctive silver coin featuring Saint Olaf was discovered among the Mørstad treasure, Norway's largest Viking coin hoard found in Østerdalen. The hoard, containing roughly 5,000 coins, was initially uncovered by two private metal-detector users in April. Experts Svein Gullbekk and Anne Skogsfjord identified the coin, which is one of only four known specimens, three of which lie outside Norway.
They suggest it was likely minted near Trondheim and may have changed hands several times, as indicated by small marks on its surface. The museum plans to display the coin as a centerpiece of a new exhibition that will present many items from the hoard to the public. Ongoing excavations continue to add hundreds of additional coins to the collection.
Why it matters
The coin provides a rare tangible link to Norway's early Christian king and enriches understanding of Viking-era monetary history.
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