From the exhibition
A coin from the Viking Age?
A worn coin and a possible trail to Magdeburg around AD 1000. Charles Olsen’s discovery invites a closer look.
Photo: Úr greinini hjá Jan Hammer Egholm / From Jan Hammer Egholm’s article
A small object with a larger story
Charles Olsen found this small, worn coin while metal detecting in the Faroe Islands. Detectorist discussions have suggested a resemblance to a Magdeburg silver penny from the reign of Otto III.
A lead to investigate
The comparison type is catalogued as Dannenberg 643 and dated to 983–1002. That is the date of the comparison type, not an established date for this find.
One face shows a cross-like motif. The opposite face and edge lettering are too unclear for a secure attribution. A cross alone is insufficient.
A coin and its possible context
If confirmed, the attribution would place the coin in the period associated with the conversion of the Faroes to Christianity. This is a chronological comparison, not evidence connecting it to particular historical people.
Precise weight, dimensions and metal analysis are still needed. The full Faroese article contains additional photographs and references.
Finder: Charles Olsen. By Jan Hammer Egholm, written with assistance from AI. Abridged web edition; attribution remains provisional.