Two hoards discovered near the Muhu hill fort (tpq 1089)

In May 2025, a hobby detectorist discovered a prehistoric cultural layer with Viking Age coins in Linnuse village on the island of Muhu in the vicinity of a hill fort. Archaeological excavations conducted in June 2025 revealed an intensive settlement layer containing two coin hoards. The larger hoard (Muhu I) comprised of 256 coins. The youngest coin was a denar of Hermann III, Archbishop of Cologne. The smaller hoard (Muhu II) contained probably four coins; its youngest coin was a denar of Archbishop Sigwin of Cologne. Numismatic and chronological analysis indicates that both hoards were likely deposited around 1089 or shortly thereafter. The composition of Muhu I suggests that it accumulated gradually over a long period, and reflects internal Estonian circulation rather than direct influence from nearby Gotland. The finds also illuminate broader patterns of silver inflow to the Baltic region in the late 11th century and provide insight into the economic conditions preceding the silver shortage of the 12th century.