The coin is inscribed with the name of the Norwegian king Olaf Haraldsson, who ruled from 1015 to 1028 and, as St. Olaf or "Olaf the Holy," is considered the national saint of Norway.
"Here we have a coin bearing the king's portrait and a cross, with another cross on the reverse," University of Oslo coin expert Svein Gullbekk said in the statement. "It is a Christianisation coin on a grand scale."
"We can see how King Olaf used coinage to legitimise the new faith and to establish himself as a Christian king of European standing," Gullbekk said. "This is branding."
He became Norway's king in 1015, and in about 1024 proclaimed that only Christianity would be legal, according to the University of Bergen. Much of Norway, however, remained faithful to the Norse gods during his rule, especially around the central Trøndelag region and in the eastern parts of the country.
The front of the silver coin portrays "Olaf the Holy," who is now Norway's national saint. (Image credit: Lill-Ann Chepstow-Lusty / Museum of Cultural History)The newfound coin is part of the Mørstad Hoard, which was discovered near the village of Rena in April. At that time, the buried hoard was described as the largest ever found in Norway and was estimated to contain almost 3,000 silver coins. However, subsequent research has determined that it includes anywhere from 5,500 to more than 6,000 coins, the statement said.
Mistaken identity
"I could see that it read ONLAF R+ NORMANORV. … Could this really be a coin of Olaf Haraldsson that I was holding?" Skogsfjord said in the statement. "And it was! It was a very special moment."
Olaf Haraldsson was one of Norway's first Christian kings; the other side of the coin features a cross. (Image credit: Lill-Ann Chepstow-Lusty / Museum of Cultural History)Related stories
Dirty 'button' unearthed by metal detectorist turns out to be a rare 900-year-old coin from Norway's last Viking king, Magnus Barefoot'Biggest surprise of my life': Homeowner discovers Denmark's largest Viking Age silver hoard in their backyard'There was something bigger in the ground here': Metal detectorist in Germany discovers giant Roman-era hoard from time of emperor Hadrian
Gullbekk said Haraldsson himself had decided what the coins would look like and may have been present when they were minted.
See how much you know about ancient norsemen with our Viking quiz!
Hence then, the article about extremely rare viking age coin from the reign of olaf the holy may have been held in the king s own hand was published today ( ) and is available on Live Science ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Extremely rare Viking Age coin from the reign of 'Olaf the Holy' may have been 'held in the king's own hand' )
Also on site :
- Brian Laundrie admitted to killing 22-year-old Gabby Petito in a notebook found near his body, the FBI confirmed
- Dan-O's Seasoning Secures Strategic Investment of $25M from The Newcastle Network to Bring Bold Flavor to More Kitchens
- 2003 Haunting Smash Luther Vandross Called ‘The Most Important Song of My Life’ Remains a Beloved Soul Masterpiece