Ancient Anglo-Saxon Coin Discovered in Scotland

Archaeologists in Scotland have uncovered a 1,000-year-old Anglo-Saxon coin in Nesting, located in the eastern Shetland Islands. The discovery was part of an excavation aimed at investigating prehistoric structures threatened by coastal erosion.

The coin, minted between 991 and 997 A.D., features King Ethelred the Unready, who was the ruler of England from 978 to 1013 A.D. King Ethelred is known for his unsuccessful efforts to repel Viking invasions and was dethroned by Danish king Swein Forkbeard. He regained control in 1014 before his reign ended upon his death in 1016, making him the longest-serving Anglo-Saxon monarch.

“The writing on the coin is still so sharp,” said Dr. Elinor Graham from the University of Aberdeen, who participated in the excavation, “We knew immediately that it was extremely rare, unique in this context.”

Researchers suspect the coin may provide insights into ancient trade routes between Viking Shetland and Anglo-Saxon England. However, the possibility remains that it was taken during a Norse raid. Graham noted that another Anglo-Saxon coin had been previously found at Old Scatness in southern Shetland. This recent discovery marks the northernmost find of its kind.

Scotland’s Treasure Trove Unit will decide if the coin should be offered to a museum. Graham expresses hopes for its inclusion in the Shetland Museum and Archives, suggesting the area may have been a “cosmopolitan community” with strong trading ties to Anglo-Saxon England.

In addition to this find, earlier this year, archaeologists discovered a Roman coin nearly 1,750 years old during a railway project in England. Another discovery in Scotland was a 900-year-old coin believed to be the oldest minted in the country.