History of the United States in 100 Objects -- 4: The Maine Norse Coin

After one year, my lecture on the only authentic pre-Columbian European artifact ever found in the United States becomes public. Please support this podcast on Patreon to hear the patron-only lectures when they are posted -- including object #5 -- a set of glass beads left behnid by the Hernando de Soto expedition -- https://www.patreon.com/posts/22678911 --Created in Norway, 1069-1080 AD, during reign of King Olaf Kyrre --Made of silver alloy --Found at Goddard Site, Naskeag Point, Maine, dated 1100s-1200s AD The only authentic Norse artifact ever found in the United States, this small silver coin dated to the 11th century may be an elaborate hoax, or a crucial clue to trade and contact between Europe and America in the centuries between the fall of Vinland and the arrival of Columbus.