The Damhus hoard, a significant collection of 226 Viking-era “pennies,” was recently discovered near the town of Ribe on the Jutland Peninsula in Denmark in 2018. According to research published in the journal Archaeometry on June 5, the hoard dates back to 830–850 AD, positioning these coins as among the oldest Viking artifacts of their kind ever found. Thomas Birch, an archaeologist at the Danish National Museum and the study’s main author, noted that while the objects are labeled as “pennies,” their intrinsic weight in silver rendered them considerably more valuable in the 9th century than modern equivalents.
Birch explained that the term originates from Old English and shares linguistic similarities with the High German word “pfennig.”
Historically, the value of these early coins was substantial; one penny could reportedly purchase essential commodities such as ale, bread, or basic tools. The discovery provides valuable insight into the economic structure and trade networks of the Viking Age. Analysis of the hoard helps scholars understand the circulation of currency and the standard of living during the period when the silver artifacts were deposited.
The meticulous study of these coins offers a tangible link to the daily commerce of the early medieval period.
Topics: #coins #silver #found
A significant collection of 226 Viking-era “pennies,” known as the Damhus hoard, was discovered near Ribe on the Jutland Peninsula in Denmark in 2018. Research published in the journal Archaeometry on
What does the discovery of the Damhus hoard reveal about the Viking trade networks?