Archaeologists uncovered an Anglo-Saxon coin at a site of an important Pictish fort – The Burghead Fort, near Lossiemouth, Moray, Scotland.

The site consists of a significant seat of power in the kingdom of the Picts, dating between 500-1000 AD. It was mostly destroyed by 19th-century development but archaeologists managed to uncover new Pictish remains in form of a longhouse. Within the structure a 1100-year-old Anglo-Saxon coin of Alfred the Great was found. The discovery provides key evidence for dating of the house and fort.

According to the researchers, the coin dates to the late ninth century when Viking raiders and settlers were leading to major changes within Pictish society. The coin is also pierced, perhaps for wearing. Experts believe that Burghead is likely to have been one of the key royal centres of northern Pictland. Moreover archaeologists discovered a stone-built hearth in one end of the buildings. Researchers state that the discovery of the coin shows that the occupants of the site were able to tap into long-distance trade networks.

(after University of Aberdeen & Daily Mail Online)