Man with metal detector stumbles upon buried Viking treasure

Treasure hunter Walter Hanks of Llanllyfni, Wales, was wandering around nearby Llandwrog with his metal detector when he struck gold. Although, to be precise, it was actually silver that he struck, discovering 14 silver pennies dating back to as early as 995 A.D, Wales Online reports. The pennies were made under the Dublin rule of a Viking king named Sihtric Anlafsson; additional fragments of pennies of Cnut, the king of England between 1016 A.D. and 1035 A.D., were likely made in Chester. Ingots, also used as currency, were discovered in the trove as well.

Researchers working on the case believe the silver was put in the ground intentionally, either in an attempt to store it or as part of a burial. While the value of the coins could not be confirmed, the North West Wales coroner declared the find officially a treasure.

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