A single silver coin discovered in 1957 at an archaeological site in Maine remains a tantalizing clue in the centuries-old question of whether Vikings reached the state. The coin, dated to the late Viking Age (roughly 793–1066 AD), sparks debate about Viking exploration beyond established settlements in Greenland and Newfoundland. While no conclusive evidence of Norse settlements exists in Maine, the coin’s presence suggests possible contact through trade or other indirect means.
The Maine Penny: An Artifact of Uncertainty
The coin, now held by the Maine State Museum, is not a pristine relic. Minted during the reign of Olaf III of Norway (1066–1093), it bears a worn cross on one side and damaged engravings on the other, likely depicting Olaf himself. The coin was found at the Goddard site, a 12th- and 13th-century Native American trading center in Brooklin, Maine. A puncture mark indicates it may have been worn as jewelry, suggesting it changed hands many times before its discovery.
The coin’s condition and location raise questions about how it traveled to Maine. The Vikings were skilled seafarers who established outposts in Greenland and Newfoundland (L’Anse aux Meadows) by the 11th century, but there are no confirmed settlements or additional artifacts proving Vikings went further south.
Trade Routes: The Most Likely Explanation
Experts largely agree the coin reached Maine through Indigenous trade networks rather than direct Viking voyages. Andrew Beaupré, curator at the Maine State Museum, explains that Goddard was a regional trading hub, with goods flowing from as far as Newfoundland and Labrador. Other Indigenous artifacts found at the site confirm these connections.
Svein Gullbekk, a professor at the University of Oslo, believes the coin likely circulated among Native Americans as an ornamental item rather than currency. This perspective aligns with the coin’s worn condition and puncture mark. Joel Anderson, an associate professor at the University of Maine, shares this view, noting the lack of other Viking-related finds in Maine.
Why This Matters: Beyond the Myth
The Maine Penny is a reminder that Viking voyages were not limited to direct colonization. Even if Vikings didn’t settle in Maine, their influence extended through trade and cultural exchange with Indigenous populations. The coin’s story highlights the complex interconnectedness of ancient cultures and the limitations of archaeological evidence in reconstructing the past. Without further finds, the Maine Penny remains a fascinating, yet inconclusive, piece of the puzzle.
The question of Viking presence in Maine is not just about historical accuracy. It speaks to our fascination with exploration, cultural diffusion, and the enduring power of single artifacts to provoke debate and imagination.
