Period: Viking Age (c. 800-1000 AD)

Project title: Mønsterstempler fra vikingetid

Researcher: Lone Kierkegaard, Køge, Denmark

Year: 2002

Abstract:

Coins are a rare find from the Viking Age in Denmark, but there are however indications that they were used as currency. The embossed pattern on many of the coins varies greatly. The aim of the experiment is to clarify how the many coins a die can produce before it becomes deformed and has to be changed. A coin is produced by placing a metal blank between an upper and a lower die of iron or steel and striking a heavy blow with a hammer. This transfers the pattern from the dies to the coin.

Reference number: HAF 05/02