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Found Spanish-Mexican 1500s Silver Real in Central Norway

By ThorNews on April 1, 2015 • ( 0 )

This coin had bigger value than a cow. (Photo: Juliet Landrø / NRK)

Last weekend, twenty-four members from two metal detecting clubs in cooperation with three county archaeologists found 3-400 objects at the Castle of Austrått in Central Norway. The most astonishing discovery was a Spanish-Mexican silver real dating back to the late 1500s.

The coin is minted in Mexico and made of American silver. It was worth about 3750 dollars in today’s money and someone has probably been desperately searching for it when he or she lost it.

Archaeologists cannot say anything specific about exactly how old it is or how the 27 grams (1 oz) heavy coin ended up at the old castle.

There were also found a number of other objects, including some coins from the 16 and 1700’s. Among the findings were also some buckles and fittings used on costumes and belts.

– We found a cross-shaped buckle from the migration period. We believe it stems from the 4-500’s, so it is old. It is a type of safety pin with decoration, says county archaeologist Knut Stomsvik to adressa.no.

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Silver ring with Madonna and Child. (Photo: Karl Johan Valderhaug / Adresseavisa)

Another amazing discovery is a silver ring, decorated with Madonna and Child. It is probably from the 14-1500 century, most likely from the Catholic period, says the county archaeologist.

The Castle of Austrått

The Castle of Austrått is beautifully located at the Trondheimsfjord in Central Norway. For centuries, it has been known as the seat of several people who have played a role in Norwegian history.

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The Castle of Austrått at the Trondheimsfjord as it appears today. (Photo: Ørland Municipality / Wikimedia Commons)

The name “Austrått” probably derives from Old Norse “austr” and “átt”, which means “easterly” or “in the east”. Skjegge Asbjørnson, also known as Jernskjegge (English: “Iron Beard”; killed by Olav Tryggvason in 997), is the first person mentioned in connection with the castle. Snorri writes that Jernskjegge was buried in the Skjegghaugen burial mound in Austrått. It is uncertain where the mound is located.

In the 1500s, the Castle of Austrått was a large and powerful mansion that often received visits from ships anchored out in the fjord.