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A fortunate individual in Sweden stumbled upon a remarkable medieval treasure while digging for fishing worms. This unexpected find included a cauldron filled with ancient rings, pendants, and thousands of exceptionally well-preserved coins.
As reported by the County Administrative Board of Stockholm in mid-September, the treasure was unearthed in Stockholm County, which consists of 26 municipalities. The authorities described the discoverer as a “private individual” engaged in their quest for fishing bait when the discovery occurred.
The cauldron was located near the individual’s summer cottage. However, officials have chosen to keep the exact location confidential as investigations are underway.
In a statement, the board explained that the finder promptly reported the discovery, leading to archaeologists investigating the site. They are currently examining the coins, beads, rings, and pendants that constitute the treasure hoard.
Images released by the authorities reveal a stunning collection of ancient coins and ornate jewelry displayed artfully together. Officials noted that this find represents an “unusually large and well-preserved silver hoard” that dates back to the early Middle Ages.
The treasure weighs around six kilograms, which is approximately 13¼ pounds, and comprises several thousand coins, possibly numbering as many as 20,000.
Sofia Andersson, an antiquities expert at the County Administrative Board of Stockholm, remarked that this find qualifies as one of the largest silver hoards from the early Middle Ages ever discovered in Sweden. She estimated the number of coins could reach up to 20,000, although the exact count remains unknown.
While most artifacts are in excellent condition, the copper cauldron that once held them has unfortunately suffered damage. Nevertheless, the coins from this cache are not only ancient but include several rare pieces.
Among the notable finds is a 12th-century coin that features an inscription referencing King Knut Eriksson. Another intriguing coin from the island of Gotland showcases a depiction of a church.
One particular coin has drawn attention due to its portrayal of a bishop, which officials describe as one of the most distinctive items found. The statement from the authorities explained that, during the Middle Ages, specially minted bishop’s coins circulated in parts of Europe. The hoard contains multiple examples featuring a bishop holding a crozier in his right hand.
Archaeologists are currently focused on documenting and studying the entire collection of coins unearthed in this significant hoard.
Furthermore, the County Administrative Board plans to report the find to the Swedish National Heritage Board. This board will ultimately determine whether the state will redeem the treasure, meaning they would compensate the finder for it.
Andersson praised the individual who discovered the hoard for adhering to legal obligations. In Sweden, the law stipulates that one must report discoveries involving ancient objects made of silver, including hoards, to the authorities for redemption.
She stated that the finder acted correctly by contacting the County Administrative Board, highlighting the importance of this legal process.
The Swedish treasure find adds to a growing list of exceptional coin caches recently uncovered in Northern Europe. For instance, earlier in 2023, a plumber in the United Kingdom made headlines when he discovered a cache of ancient coins while working in a field. He later auctioned off his remarkable find.
In another striking discovery, a British family unearthed a trove of Tudor-era coins in their backyard back in 2020. These coins are slated for auction in Zurich, Switzerland, this November.
The discovery of this medieval treasure is not simply a significant archaeological find. It enriches our understanding of medieval trade and society while reminding us of the extraordinary stories that lie beneath our feet, waiting to be uncovered.
