Does This Tiny Silver Coin Prove Vikings Reached Present-Day Maine?

In 1978, a small silver coin found decades earlier in Brooklin, Maine, became the subject of global media attention. Was this coin, known as the Maine Penny, proof that Norse explorers visited the United States long before Christopher Columbus?

The Discovery of the Maine Penny

The Maine Penny is a Norse silver coin dating back to the reign of Olaf III of Norway (1067–1093). Discovered in 1957 by amateur archaeologists Guy Mellgren and Ed Runge, the coin was found in a muddy embankment at Naskeag Point on the Blue Hill Peninsula. Initially mistaken for an English coin, it wasn’t until 1978 that its true origin—Norse—was identified by a coin dealer in London, sparking a debate about Viking exploration in North America.

The Mystery of Norse Exploration in Maine

The discovery of the L’Anse aux Meadows site in Newfoundland in 1960 confirmed that Norse explorers settled in North America around 1020. This, coupled with the finding of the Maine Penny just 100 miles from Newfoundland, suggested the possibility that Norse voyagers may have ventured further south into present-day Maine. However, some experts caution that one small artifact is not enough to conclusively prove this theory.

Theories About the Coin’s Origin

Three main theories explain the origins of the Maine Penny:

1. A Hoax – Some scholars speculate that the coin was planted by Mellgren, a coin collector, as part of a hoax.
2. Proof of Viking Exploration – The coin could be evidence that Norse explorers reached Maine, more than 400 years before Columbus.
3. Indigenous Trade – A more plausible theory suggests the coin was part of a trade network between Indigenous peoples and Norse settlers, passing through many hands before being discarded in Maine.

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The Debate Over Viking Visitation in North America

While some claims of Viking presence in North America have been debunked—such as the controversial Kensington Runestone in Minnesota—others, including the Maine Penny, remain intriguing. However, the lack of definitive evidence has led many scholars to remain cautious.

In conclusion, while the Maine Penny is an authentic 11th-century Norse coin, its true significance remains unclear. Was it evidence of early European contact in the United States, or just a rare artifact of Indigenous trade? The debate continues, but the legend of the Maine Penny has certainly left its mark on history.