Byzantine gold coin with 'face of Jesus' unearthed by metal detectorist in Norway (2024)

Byzantine gold coin with 'face of Jesus' unearthed by metal detectorist in Norway (1)

A metal detectorist discovered a 1,000-year-old gold coin depicting Jesus Christ while exploring the mountains in Vestre Slidre, a municipality in southern Norway.

Known as a "histamenon nomisma," this type of small coin was first introduced around A.D. 960. It shows Jesus holding a Bible on one side and the images of Basil II and Constantine VII, two brothers who both ruled the Byzantine Empire, on the other, according to a translated statement.

The western half of the Roman Empire collapsed in 476, while the Byzantine, or Eastern Roman Empire, continued on for another millennium.

Related: 7,000-year-old coin depicting Jesus and medieval king discovered in Bulgaria

Archaeologists think the coin was minted sometime between 977 and 1025, during the brothers' reign, based on three dotted lines that circle the coin's border — a design element commonly used during that time period. The artifact also contains two inscriptions. The first, written in Latin, reads, "Jesus Christ, King of those who reign," and the second, in Greek, says "Basil and Constantine, emperors of the Romans," according to the statement.

Byzantine gold coin with 'face of Jesus' unearthed by metal detectorist in Norway (2)

However, researchers don't know how the coin wound up on the mountainside. They speculated that it may have belonged to Harald Hardrada, also known as Harald III, who ruled Norway from 1045 to 1066. Before becoming king, Harald III served as a guard for the Byzantine emperor; it was common practice for guards to get permission to "loot the palace after an emperor's death," according to the Miami Herald.

It's possible that the coin eventually was used as part of a dowry for Harald III to marry the daughter of Prince Yaroslav (also known as Yaroslav the Wise) of Kyiv, in what is now Ukraine. It also may have been used as a form of trade, according to the statement.

Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now

Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.

Archaeologists plan to return to the mountain site in 2024 to conduct further excavations.

Byzantine gold coin with 'face of Jesus' unearthed by metal detectorist in Norway (3)

Live Science Staff Writer

Jennifer Nalewicki is a Salt Lake City-based journalist whose work has been featured in The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Scientific American, Popular Mechanics and more. She covers several science topics from planet Earth to paleontology and archaeology to health and culture. Prior to freelancing, Jennifer held an Editor role at Time Inc. Jennifer has a bachelor's degree in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin.

Most Popular
Byzantine gold coin with 'face of Jesus' unearthed by metal detectorist in Norway (2024)
Top Articles
What Is the Average Number of Credit Cards? - Experian
Is It Ever OK to Spend 50% of Your Income on a Home?
Friskies Tender And Crunchy Recall
It's Official: Sabrina Carpenter's Bangs Are Taking Over TikTok
Tmf Saul's Investing Discussions
Is pickleball Betts' next conquest? 'That's my jam'
Lowes 385
Osrs But Damage
Garrick Joker'' Hastings Sentenced
South Ms Farm Trader
Ivegore Machete Mutolation
Local Dog Boarding Kennels Near Me
Wisconsin Women's Volleyball Team Leaked Pictures
Fredericksburg Free Lance Star Obituaries
Sony E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS LE Review
Stihl Km 131 R Parts Diagram
Viprow Golf
London Ups Store
Pretend Newlyweds Nikubou Maranoshin
Drago Funeral Home & Cremation Services Obituaries
Nordstrom Rack Glendale Photos
Lista trofeów | Jedi Upadły Zakon / Fallen Order - Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order - poradnik do gry | GRYOnline.pl
Kaitlyn Katsaros Forum
Raz-Plus Literacy Essentials for PreK-6
Tips and Walkthrough: Candy Crush Level 9795
Galaxy Fold 4 im Test: Kauftipp trotz Nachfolger?
48 Oz Equals How Many Quarts
How To Tighten Lug Nuts Properly (Torque Specs) | TireGrades
3Movierulz
Craigslist Hunting Land For Lease In Ga
Abga Gestation Calculator
Phoenixdabarbie
Ancestors The Humankind Odyssey Wikia
Best New England Boarding Schools
Does Circle K Sell Elf Bars
Royal Caribbean Luggage Tags Pending
Plato's Closet Mansfield Ohio
Dreammarriage.com Login
2016 Honda Accord Belt Diagram
Kvoa Tv Schedule
Montrose Colorado Sheriff's Department
2008 Chevrolet Corvette for sale - Houston, TX - craigslist
450 Miles Away From Me
Best Restaurant In Glendale Az
D-Day: Learn about the D-Day Invasion
Dogs Craiglist
Owa Hilton Email
Juiced Banned Ad
'The Night Agent' Star Luciane Buchanan's Dating Life Is a Mystery
Quiktrip Maple And West
Is Chanel West Coast Pregnant Due Date
Washington Craigslist Housing
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Trent Wehner

Last Updated:

Views: 5987

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Trent Wehner

Birthday: 1993-03-14

Address: 872 Kevin Squares, New Codyville, AK 01785-0416

Phone: +18698800304764

Job: Senior Farming Developer

Hobby: Paintball, Calligraphy, Hunting, Flying disc, Lapidary, Rafting, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.