Isle of Man’s Viking Age Coins Reveal Deep-Rooted Norse History
A recent discovery on the Isle of Man has uncovered a treasure trove of Viking Age coins, offering fresh insight into the island’s rich Norse heritage. Metal detectorists John Crowe and David O’Hare made the fortunate find in May, unearthing 36 silver coins, some intact and others fragmented, dating back nearly 1,000 years. This week, Manx National Heritage, the organisation responsible for preserving the island’s cultural assets, confirmed that the collection had been officially declared as treasure by Isle of Man Deputy Coroner of Inquests, Rebecca Cubbon.
The discovery adds to the Isle of Man’s reputation as a Viking stronghold. Situated in the heart of the Irish Sea, the island was a strategic hub for the seafaring Norsemen from the 9th century onwards. They used it as a base for raiding, trading, and eventually settling. Over the years, numerous Viking burial sites and artefacts have been found on the island, cementing its importance in Viking history. In fact, according to Allison Fox, Curator for Archaeology at Manx National Heritage, the Isle of Man has yielded more Viking Age silver per square kilometre than any other region in the UK or Ireland.
This particular collection of coins spans the years 1000 to 1065 C.E. and was likely assembled in stages, with coins minted under various rulers. Many were created during the reign of Edward the Confessor, who ruled England from 1042 until 1066. Other coins were produced during the rule of Canute the Great, the Viking king who formed the North Sea Empire, uniting England, Denmark, and Norway.
Kristin Bornholdt Collins, an expert in Viking Age coins, studied the hoard and noted its significance, explaining that it provides a rare opportunity to examine a collection with such a broad yet closely dated range of material. Among the finds were also coins minted in Ireland, featuring the profile of Sihtric Silkbeard, the Norse king of Dublin, who played a key role in the infamous Battle of Clontarf in 1014.
This discovery not only sheds light on the complex Viking economy but also offers an extraordinary look at the interconnections between different regions of the Viking world. According to Bornholdt Collins, the hoard resembles a “wallet containing all kinds of credit cards, notes, and coins” from different nationalities, providing scholars with a rare chance to compare items from multiple locations and time periods side by side.
For further updates on this fascinating find and more insights into Viking history, visit EyeOnLondon for ongoing coverage.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn for more updates!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
