"Metal detectorist uncovers ancient gold coin, baffling experts with its distant origin"
A metal detectorist in Vestre Slidre, Norway, has discovered a "very rare" ancient gold coin believed to have once belonged to an early monarch. The coin, known as a "histamenon nomisma," was introduced in the Byzantine Empire around 960 C.E. and likely minted in Constantinople. Decorated with depictions of Christ, Basil II, and Constantine VIII, the coin is estimated to have been minted between 977 and 1025 C.E. Speculation suggests that the coin may have been acquired by Norwegian king Harald Hardråde during his time as a guard in Constantinople and brought back to Norway. This discovery follows previous findings of gold artifacts in Norway by metal detectorists.