While digging for worms near his summer home outside Stockholm, a fisherman stumbled on the biggest catch of his life. He uncovered a colossal hoard — around 20,000 silver coins — along with pearls, pendants, and rings from the Early Middle Ages. All of it was stored in a heavily worn copper cauldron.
The lucky finder reported his discovery to local authorities. According to a statement from the Stockholm County Administrative Board, the treasure weighs about 6 kilograms. “This is likely one of the largest silver treasures from the Early Middle Ages ever found in Sweden,” said Sofia Andersson, an antiquities expert with the board.
Archaeologists are currently studying the artifacts
Initial analysis by archaeologists revealed that most of them date back to the 12th century, as reported by Live Science. Some of them bear the inscription KANUTUS, indicating they were minted during the reign of Swedish King Knut Eriksson, who ruled from 1173 to 1195.
There are also some rare specimens among the finds, including several “bishop’s coins” minted by influential bishops. They depict a bishop holding a pastoral staff, a common symbol of ecclesiastical authority.
“This discovery is absolutely unique; we have no other medieval treasures from Stockholm,” noted Lin Annerbek, director of the Stockholm Medieval Museum.
Annerbek pointed out that Stockholm did not exist at the end of the 12th century. It was officially founded in 1252, but by the late 13th century it had already become Sweden’s largest city.
As for why the treasure was buried, the museum director explained that the late 12th century was a troubled time. Many people buried their valuables to keep them safe. “The fact that the silver is mixed with pearls and other valuables suggests that this was someone’s hidden wealth,” Annerbek said.
In the near future, the National Heritage Board of Sweden will determine whether the state will compensate the fisherman who found the treasure.
