From 24 Hour Museum: Huge hoard of Viking-age silver unearthed on the Isle of Man.
Posted on August 10, 2003 10:04 PM. Filed under: history & archaeology.A hoard of Viking-age silver, considered by experts to be of international importance has been unearthed on the Isle of Man by a metal detectorist.
Uncovered in March this year by detectorist Andy Whewell, the collection is comprised of 464 coins, 25 ingots and a broken armlet, all dating back to around 1020 AD.
The hoard has now been declared Treasure by the island's High Bailiff and will go on display at the Manx Museum once further research and conservation work has been carried out.
Curator of Archaeology at Manx National Heritage, Allison Fox explained just how significant the find has proved to be.
"Although the island is well-known for producing hoards of Viking silver, we have never had a find of this size and quality before," said Allison.
"The condition, range of styles of coinage, purity of silver in the ingots and the design of the broken armlet are remarkable. It is rare that such important material is discovered in such good condition and with fragments of the original container." [continue]