Coin hoards

Definition

Coin hoards are collections of coins that have been intentionally buried or hidden, often as a form of saving or protection against theft. These hoards are significant for understanding the economic behaviors of people during the Viking Age, revealing insights into the circulation of currency, trade practices, and the social dynamics surrounding wealth accumulation and storage. Coin hoards provide a tangible link to the past, allowing archaeologists to piece together the broader context of commodities and goods as well as the functioning of a silver-based economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coin hoards often consist of mixed currencies from different regions, reflecting the extensive trade networks established during the Viking Age.
2. The discovery of coin hoards can indicate economic stability or turmoil, depending on their contents and historical context.
3. Hoards are frequently found in rural areas, suggesting that people may have hidden their wealth due to fears of conflict or invasion.
4. Some hoards include not just coins but also jewelry and other valuables, indicating that these items were important for personal wealth storage.
5. The study of coin hoards helps in dating archaeological sites and understanding the chronological development of trade relationships between cultures.

Review Questions

• How do coin hoards provide insight into trade practices and economic behaviors during the Viking Age?
  • Coin hoards reveal valuable information about trade practices by showing which currencies were in circulation and how they were used in various transactions. The contents of these hoards often reflect a blend of coins from different regions, highlighting the interconnectedness of Viking society with neighboring cultures. By analyzing these collections, archaeologists can better understand economic behaviors such as saving habits and reactions to socio-political changes within communities.
• Discuss the significance of the types of coins found in hoards for understanding the silver economy during the Viking Age.
  • The types of coins found in hoards are crucial for understanding the silver economy during the Viking Age. A predominance of certain coins can indicate trade relationships with specific regions or nations. Additionally, these coins often provide insights into supply and demand dynamics as well as fluctuating values associated with different currencies. Overall, examining these coins helps clarify how wealth was accumulated and exchanged within Viking society.
• Evaluate the impact that discoveries of coin hoards have had on our understanding of Viking Age societal structure and wealth distribution.
  • Discoveries of coin hoards have significantly shaped our understanding of societal structure and wealth distribution in the Viking Age. By analyzing where and how these hoards were buried, researchers can infer patterns related to social stratification and economic privilege. For instance, larger hoards may indicate elite status, while smaller collections might reflect common people's savings. This information contributes to a more nuanced view of how wealth was managed and perceived across different classes in Viking society.

Related terms

Numismatics: The study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects.

Treasure Trove: A term referring to a collection of valuable items found hidden or buried, often including precious metals and coins.

Silver Standard: A monetary system in which the value of currency is directly linked to a specific quantity of silver, common in trade during the Viking Age.