ÅNDALSNES, Norway — A boyhood adventure beneath the floorboards of an old church in the 1960s has become a significant archaeological revelation, as Jan Gunnar Fugelsnes recently came forward with a cache of medieval coins and artifacts discovered more than half a century ago.
In 1964, a young Fugelsnes and his brother were exploring a church in Norway—formerly used by Nazi forces during World War II to store munitions—when they stumbled upon a hidden trove of historical objects. Among their findings: 14 silver coins, an amber bead, and nine metal needles. They carefully stored the coins in a Kodak slide box, unaware of the true value of what they had unearthed.
“We were just kids playing a treasure hunt under the church floor,” Fugelsnes said. “We didn’t realize how rare those coins were.”
Decades later, Fugelsnes reported the find to officials at the Møre og Romsdal County Municipality. Archaeologists were quick to recognize the historical significance of the artifacts. Analysis revealed that the coins date as far back as the 13th century, with some believed to have been minted during the reign of King Magnus VI, who ruled from 1263 to 1280. Others are thought to originate from the time of King Christian I, who reigned from 1450 to 1481.
County archaeologist Carl-Fredrik Wahr-Hansen Vemmestad described the discovery as exceptionally rare. “In central Norway, there are literally only a handful of these coins that have been preserved to this day,” he noted.
Beyond the coins, the additional objects found by the brothers also hold historical importance. The amber bead is believed to have once formed part of a priest’s or deacon’s prayer beads, while the nine needles—dating to the 13th century—may have belonged to a deceased individual, offering insight into medieval rituals and everyday life.
Under Norwegian cultural heritage law, any artifact made before 1605 is considered state property, unless proven to be privately owned before 1905. Acknowledging this, Fugelsnes has handed over the collection to local authorities. The coins will now be preserved and may be put on public display in the future.
What began as a childhood game has turned into a contribution to Norway’s historical record—an enduring legacy uncovered beneath the floorboards of time.
