Viking-Era Coin Hoard Unearthed in Worcestershire Field
In the summer of 2022, a metal detector enthusiast unearthed a silver coin in a field close to Bickmarsh, England, which led to the discovery of a total of 63 coins dating back to the late 9th century. This hoard, believed to have been concealed between 871 and 874 C.E., is thought to have been hidden amid Viking incursions. Over one weekend, members of Go Detecting Ltd. (Midlands) uncovered 25 coins, while archaeologists later excavated an additional 38. The majority of the coins are silver pennies from King Burgred of Mercia (r. 852–874), with two being Frankish pennies and one a gold solidus imitation issued under Louis the Pious. This find marks only the second such hoard in Worcestershire, possibly reflecting Viking activity during tumultuous times, as noted in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which mentions Burgred fleeing overseas in 874.
Key facts
- Metal detectorists found 25 coins in summer 2022; archaeologists later unearthed 38 more.
- The hoard was likely buried between 871 and 874 C.E., possibly to protect from Viking raiders.
- Most of the 63 coins are silver pennies of King Burgred of Mercia.
- Two coins are Frankish pennies; one is an imitation of a gold solidus of Louis the Pious.
- The hoard is only the second of its kind discovered in Worcestershire.
- The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle describes a Viking army driving King Burgred overseas in 874.
- The shallow burial suggests a hurried decision to hide wealth.
- The cache may offer evidence of Viking activity not recorded in historical documents.
Entities
Institutions
- Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service
- Worcestershire County Council
- Go Detecting Ltd. (Midlands)
- Stratford-upon-Avon Herald
- BBC News
- Smithsonian magazine
- Worcester Cathedral
Locations
- Bickmarsh
- England
- Worcestershire
- West Midlands
- Mercia
- Northumbria
- Wessex
- East Anglia
- Rome
- Netherlands
- Frisia
- Northern Europe