Sandur Hoard, Medieval silver coin collection in Sandur, Faroe Islands
The Sandur Hoard is a collection of 98 medieval silver coins from various European countries including England, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and Hungary, dating from the 11th century. The coins are now displayed at the National Museum of the Faroe Islands in Thorshavn where visitors can examine them.
The hoard was discovered in 1863 by gravediggers preparing a deep burial site for plague victims near the location of Sandur's first church. The coins were found at the altar site of the second church built in the islands, suggesting they were buried by a wealthy farmer.
The coins show that Sandur was linked to extensive medieval trade networks reaching across Europe. The presence of money from so many different countries suggests that island residents maintained regular contact with distant regions.
The collection can be viewed at the National Museum of the Faroe Islands in Thorshavn, which is open throughout the year. It is worth checking opening hours before visiting and the museum is easily reached on foot or by public transport.
The coins were found by chance when workers dug a plague pit and stumbled upon a hidden cache. This unexpected discovery later gave archaeologists insight into the wealthy residents who accumulated riches in this remote location.
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