The BBC News website often reports on archaeological discoveries made by metal detectors in Norfolk - in part, no doubt, due to the assiduity of my old friend Dr Adrian Marsden the numismatic expert with the Norfolk Historic Environment Service. On this occasion he has a very significant coin to bring to wider attention.
Dated to 640 to 660 the gold coin was probably struck as a commemorative or trophy piece at a time when the traditional religious system of the Anglo Saxons was existing alongside the newly introduced Christian faith. The coin reflects this as it appears to show Oden brandishing a Cross but also a pagan symbol of three intersecting triangles.
As a relic of the Conversion era this discovery is fascinating and adds to our knowledge of that time of profound transition and cultural accommodation. It is good to know that the coin will hopefully go to the collection at the Castle Museum in Norwich.
The article about it, which has some excellent photographs, can be seen at One of a kind 7th Century Anglo-Saxon coin found in Norfolk field
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