Rare coin of King Olaf Haraldsson found in Norway Viking hoard
The discovery is the second of its kind found in Norway since 1924 and was recovered from the Morstad Hoard.
A rare coin minted during the reign of King Olaf Haraldsson around 1025 has been discovered in the Morstad Hoard in Rena, Norway, according to the Times of India. The hoard was found in April by metal detectorists Vegard Sorlie and Rune Sætre.
The coin is only the second of its type ever found in Norway, with the previous discovery occurring in 1924. Archaeologist Anne Skogsfjord identified the coin while cataloguing the collection, which is described as the largest Viking Age coin hoard found in the country.
Skogsfjord initially believed the coin was Anglo-Saxon, but the inscription 'ONLAF R+ NORMANORV' confirmed it belonged to Olaf Haraldsson. The king, also known as Saint Olaf, ruled Norway from 1015 to 1028.
The coin features a portrait of the king wearing a conical battle helmet on one side and a cross on three steps on the reverse. Numismatics Professor Svein H. Gullbekk said the coin is a 'Christianisation coin on a grand scale' used to legitimise the new faith.
Small knife cuts on both sides of the coin suggest it was used to test silver content during transactions. Associate Professor Florent Audy said the coin may have circulated for approximately 20 to 25 years before being deposited in the hoard.