Here is a detailed (UK-English) account of the Terslev Hoard, drawing on archaeological and historical sources:
Overview
The Terslev Hoard (Danish: Sølvskatten fra Terslev) was discovered in 1911 in Terslev, on the island of Zealand, Denmark.
It dates to the Viking Age, specifically buried in the second half of the 10th century.
The hoard consists of approximately 6.6 kilograms of silver.
Contents of the Hoard
Coins
Total number of coins: 1,751.
Of these, 1,708 are of Arab origin (dirhams).
There are European coins as well: 28 whole coins and 15 fragments from European minting. These include coins from Germany, England, France, Italy, and Denmark.
The oldest coins date from about 706 AD, the newest (latest‐minted) coin is dated 944 AD.
Other Objects
Besides coins, the hoard includes:
Neck and arm rings (silver jewellery)
Chains used for toiletry items (personal grooming accessories)
Costume jewellery and decorative items for clothing or appearance.
A drinking set: four Nordic cups and a large embossed bowl. The bowl may have Persian origin.
A fragment bearing a Latin inscription, “..BATIS..”, believed to come from a Christian altar plate (a paten).
Significance & Interpretation
The hoard illustrates the wide trade connections in the Viking Age. The large number of Arab coins confirms that silver from the Middle East circulated far north and was used as bullion or currency in Scandinavia. (
The mixture of Islamic coins with Christian artefacts suggests cultural contact and co-existence of different religious influences.
The date of the latest coin (944) provides a terminus post quem (earliest possible burial date). The hoard must have been buried sometime after that.
The presence of European coins (from various regions) and possibly Persian crafted items points to both trade and movement of goods; it may also reflect wealth accumulation, possibly for safekeeping or as a ritual deposit.
Location & Where It Is Now
The hoard was found by accident (boys digging in a garden) in Terslev.
Parts of the hoard are held at the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen, where some of the pieces are on display.
More Information HERE