Key Takeaways
- Swedish angler discovers one of Sweden’s largest medieval silver hoards while digging for worms
- The 6kg treasure contains approximately 20,000 silver coins and historic jewellery
- Coins feature inscriptions of King Knut Eriksson and rare medieval bishop coins
- Archaeologists are examining the exceptionally well-preserved collection
A Swedish fisherman searching for bait made an extraordinary archaeological discovery – a medieval cauldron filled with approximately 20,000 silver coins and historic jewellery. The remarkable find in Stockholm County represents one of the largest silver hoards from the early Middle Ages ever uncovered in Sweden.
Stockholm County authorities described the 6kg collection as “unusually large and well-preserved.” The treasure was discovered near a private individual’s summer cottage while the angler was digging for worms.
Royal and Religious Coins
Archaeologists identified coins bearing inscriptions of King Knut Eriksson, who ruled Sweden between 1173 and 1195. The monarch is historically significant for organizing Sweden’s currency system and establishing a fortress on the site of what would become Stockholm.
The hoard also contains rare bishop’s coins from medieval Europe. These special coins, produced on behalf of clergymen, depict a bishop holding a crozier in his right hand.
Expert Analysis
Sofia Andersson, an antiquarian at the County Administrative Board of Stockholm, confirmed the discovery’s significance. “We don’t yet know exactly how many coins there are, but I believe it could be up to 20,000,” she stated.
While most objects remain in excellent condition, the copper cauldron that contained them has unfortunately degraded over time. Archaeologists are currently examining the collection to determine precise dates and historical context.
Legal Process and Compensation
The County Administrative Board will report the find to the Swedish National Heritage Board, which will decide if the state will redeem the treasure. Under Sweden’s Cultural Environment Act, finders of ancient silver objects or hoards must offer them to the state in exchange for compensation.
Andersson praised the angler’s actions: “The finder had done exactly the right thing by handing the treasures in.”
