29.10.2026 16:32
A couple looking for worms to go fishing in Sweden encountered the surprise of their lives while digging in the soil. 24,100 silver coins and 144 historical artifacts were unearthed, and it was decided that the couple who found the centuries-old treasure would be awarded 4 million Swedish kronor.
A couple searching for worms to go fishing in Sweden came across thousands of historical coins while digging in the soil. Examinations determined that 24,100 silver coins and 144 historical artifacts were found, and it was decided that the couple would be awarded millions of kronor.
An ordinary day out to go fishing ended with an unexpected discovery for a Swedish couple. Digging the soil to find worms, the couple unearthed a large treasure dating back hundreds of years.
THOUSANDS OF COINS CAME OUT OF THE SOIL
In August 2025, after the incident on the Mörkö Peninsula near Södertälje, archaeologists were called to the area. During excavations, thousands of silver coins hidden inside a copper cauldron were found, along with rings, pendants, and various ornaments.
Initial examinations estimated the collection at around 20,000 coins, but detailed work determined that it consisted of 24,100 silver coins and 144 different historical artifacts.
SWEDEN'S LARGEST COIN HOARD IN HISTORY
Archaeologists' research revealed that the artifacts belonged to the Viking Age and early Middle Ages. It was determined that some of the coins bear the name of Swedish King Knut Eriksson, who reigned in the 12th century.
The collection, called the Hörningsholm Hoard, was recorded as the largest coin hoard ever discovered in Sweden. Experts stated that the finds could provide important information about the trade relations, economic structure, and social life of the period.
4 MILLION KRONOR REWARD FROM THE STATE
After the discovery, a decision was made for a million-kronor payment to the couple who reported the historical artifacts to the authorities.
With the decision announced by the Swedish National Heritage Board on May 21, 2026, it was decided that the hoard would be purchased by the state and that 4 million Swedish kronor would be paid to the person who found it.
Authorities reported that the cultural and historical value of the artifacts was taken into account when determining the reward amount. The amount in question was recorded as the highest payment ever decided for a historical find in Sweden.