Viking silver treasure found in Rebild garden

A massive Viking Age silver treasure, weighing 18.5 kilograms, has been discovered in a private garden in Rebild, Denmark. This find is recognized as the largest known Viking silver treasure in the country, nearly three times the size of the previously largest known hoard, the Terslev treasure.

The cache was originally placed in a clay vessel during the 900s and consists of approximately 700 items and fragments. The collection includes silver bars, bracelets, 47 whole coins and fragments, a small Thor's hammer, and various cut silver objects. While about 320 items remained within the original clay jar, the rest were found in the surrounding soil.

The discovery occurred during the installation of a new patio. Torben Sarauw, a heritage manager and archaeologist at Nordjyske Museer, described the find as “spectacular and unique,” noting its importance for understanding how silver functioned as wealth and a medium of exchange during the Viking Age. One silver bar also features mysterious runes that may read “hutu.”