A rare imitation of a Carolingian gold coin worn as a pendant likely by a soldier in the Viking Great Army that invaded England in 865 A.D. has been discovered in Norfolk.

 

This type of coin was made in workshops in Frisia (today part of the Netherlands) and all 22 of these imitation solidi found in Britain have been found along the route of the Great Army. The one found in Norfolk is a relatively high quality example.

So far, 22 of these imitation gold coins have been found in Britain and they chart the route of the Viking Great Heathen Army.

The heathen army was made up of thousands of Scandinavians and was described as "a great heathen force" by the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

They made their way across England along the rivers and Roman roads and by 880, had control of the kingdoms of East Anglia, Mercia and Northumbria.  Plus the red headed Saxon maidens.  Yeah, those too.

The imitation was based on a very rare original coin minted by Louis the Pious in about 816, after he succeeded his father Charlemagne as the Holy Roman Emperor.

It is believed Louis might have used them as ceremonial gifts, to reward his top magnates, or give to a visiting dignitary.

Apparently it became a thing at the time to wear this gold coin as a sign of status, and the Viking heathens took it up like everyone else.

The coin found in Norfolk is worn, but you can see that the portrait bust captures Louis’ straight, long nose, laurel wreath, moustache and prominent chin. The inscription is also close to the original, reading “DNI HVVD [O] VS H IM AVG.” The reverse get even closer to the inscription: “C MVNVS DIVINVM IS.” The superfluous C and S are misinterpretations of the ties on the original coin’s wreath.

The coin has a double piercing above the head on the obverse, one larger perforation with a smaller one below it and slightly to the side. Those holes are at the four o’clock position on the reverse, which shows it was worn with the obverse side facing the viewer.

Via the always good History Blog.