A rare 9th Century silver penny minted by Viking warlord Guthrum, also known as Athelstan II, has become the first coin in the country to be declared treasure under the new Treasure Act definition of national significance. Discovered by a metal detectorist earlier this year near Thetford, Norfolk, the coin has sparked interest for its rarity and the historical narrative it represents.
Guthrum, the leader of the Danish invasion of Anglo-Saxon England, famously waged war against Alfred the Great before converting to Christianity as part of a peace treaty. After withdrawing to rule East Anglia in AD 880, he began minting his own coins, marking a significant cultural and political shift in the region.
The Athelstan II temple-type penny, featuring a simple temple design and the Viking leader’s name, is notable for its rarity. According to Dr. Adrian Marsden, a numismatist, this coin is one of Guthrum’s earliest, minted after his baptism and ascension to the kingship of East Anglia. Dr. Marsden explained that this is likely the first single coin to be categorized as treasure solely due to its national significance under the amended Treasure Act.
Before the law change, a single precious metal coin wouldn’t have been classified as treasure unless altered for another purpose, such as being adapted into jewelry. Now, however, objects that provide unique historical insights can be declared treasure, regardless of the type of metal they’re made of.
The Norwich Castle Museum is already hoping to acquire the coin, ensuring it remains accessible to the public and helping to preserve a significant piece of England’s Viking history.
For further details on treasure classifications, you can check out our guide to laws surrounding metal detecting.
Photo Credit: Andrew Williams/Norfolk County Council
Passionate about history, metal detecting, and the thrill of the hunt, I’ve spent years uncovering hidden treasures across the Lincolnshire countryside and beyond. As a pub landlord with a love for music and a knack for storytelling, I bring a unique perspective to every adventure—whether it’s finding a rare coin in a field or sharing tales of British history.
When I’m not swinging a detector, you’ll find me exploring micro hobbies, dreaming of life on a canal boat, or helping others dive into the world of metal detecting with practical advice and a good dose of humor.
