Gold and silver bullion struck with an illustration of the Norse god Odin are set to be revealed and join the displays at York’s JORVIK Viking Centre as the latest range of bullion bars from The Royal Mint.
The collection is available in a variety of precious metal editions including a 20g gold, 1oz silver and 10oz silver bars. For the first time, the 1oz and 10oz silver bars will also be available in an antiqued finish.
This release marks the first in a series of bullion collectibles themed around the Norse gods, with a limited mintage on all bars in the collection. All three bars will be on display in JORVIK Viking Centre’s gallery from 24 October 2024.
“We have often hosted 1000-year-old hoards in JORVIK’s gallery, but this is the first time we have had a modern equivalent. This is the first series of bullion bars themed around the Norse gods that The Royal Mint has created, and we are honoured to have been invited to be the first -and only – place in England where these bars are on display,” comments York Archaeology’s chief executive, David Jennings.
A limited number of the standard finish 1oz silver bars will be available to purchase from JORVIK’s shop. For investors or collectors interested in purchasing any of the other editions within the range they can buy them directly from The Royal Mint. With a wide audience having an interest in the Vikings and Norse culture, thanks to films and popular TV shows, it is anticipated that these bars will appeal to people far beyond the conventional investor audience.
Andrew Dickey, Director of Precious Metals at The Royal Mint, said, “We’re delighted to be working with JORVIK Viking Centre to launch our new Norse Gods bullion bar series. Each bar is meticulously designed, offering investors a unique opportunity to diversify their portfolios with a distinctive and valuable asset.”
Precious metal bars were often used by the Vikings as currency, though silver was the preferred option, as gold was a significantly rarer commodity at the time. Pieces would be broken off bars known as hack silver, or indeed, jewellery made to precise weights so that a ring or bangle had a distinct commercial value. Coinage grew in popularity during the Viking age, and indeed, two coin dies were found during the Coppergate dig – the site of JORVIK Viking Centre – in the early 1980s.
Homes would have had secure spaces for the storage of precious goods – a padlock unearthed in Coppergate is an example of the sophisticated security measures available – and indeed, Vikings often wore their wealth in the form of jewellery.
The Royal Mint was founded in AD 886 during the resettlement of London following its Viking occupation, with the first coin – a silver penny – featuring Alfred the Great. Silver remained the metal of choice for coins until the 1340s, when the first gold coins were minted.
A limited stock of 1 oz silver bars will be available in person from the JORVIK Viking Centre’s shop in Coppergate, York. For all other purchases, including online, please visit the Royal Mint website
