"Perhaps the king himself held it in his hands." Extraordinary discovery in the Viking treasure

A significant discovery near Rena, Norway, revealed over 5,500 Viking-era silver coins, marking the largest treasure of its kind in the country. Among these, a rare coin featuring Olaf II Haraldsson was identified, initially mistaken for an Anglo-Saxon piece. Olaf, a pivotal figure in Norway's early medieval history, was instrumental in the country's Christianization. The coin, minted between 1024 and 1028, showcases Olaf's portrait and a Christian cross, symbolizing his role in promoting Christianity. Experts suggest that Olaf may have personally handled this coin, highlighting its historical and cultural importance as it represents a key moment in Norway's transition to Christianity.