Curmsun Disc

The Curmsun Disc is a convex-concave gold disc that gained scholarly attention in 2014. The disk weighs 25.23 grams (0.890 oz) and has a diameter of 4.5 centimetres (1.8 in). The Danish Viking king Harald Bluetooth is mentioned in the inscription of the disc. The disc's characteristics are influenced by Byzantine coins and seals.^[1]The Curmsun disc was featured on an episode of the Discovery Channel documentary series Expedition Unknown aired on Dec 27, 2023. ^[2]

The Curmsun disc was reportedly found as part of a Viking Age hoard discovered in 1841 in the cellar crypt of the ruined church in the village of Groß Weckow (now called Wiejkowo) in Pomerania in Prussia (now part of Gmina Wolin, Poland). This location is just east of the bank of the river Dziwna and near the place where the semi-legendary Viking stronghold of Jomsborg stood between the 950s and 1043.

According to Swedish archaeologist Sven Rosborn, the entrance to the crypt was accidentally discovered by a 12-year-old Heinrich Boldt, who was playing with some younger children at a construction site near the ruined chapel.^[3]

The find consists of five objects today: a silver coin from Otto I's reign, a bracelet in bronze with a dash decoration covering the surface, a fragment of another bronze bracelet, a small stamped piece of gold and the Curmsun Disc itself.^[4]

After its original discovery the hoard was left in the crypt until 1945, when an officer in the Polish Wojska Lądowe (Land Forces), Major Stefan Sielski, and his brother, Michał, entered and seized what was left of it. The disc did not appear to be made of gold so it was placed in a box with old buttons. In 2014, Michał Sielski's 11-year-old great-granddaughter showed the disc to her history teacher and it was reported in the press on 5 December 2014.

Researchers have interpreted the inscription on the obverse as: "+ARALD CVRMSVN+ REX AD TANER+SCON+JVMN+CIV ALDIN+".

CVRMSVN is a transliteration from spoken Old Norse via runes into the Medieval Latin alphabet.

Old Norse word in Latin alphabet: G O R M S O N

Written in runes (Younger Futhark): ᚴ ᚢ ᚱ ᛘ ᛋ ᚢ ᚾ

Transliterated to Latin alphabet: C V R M S V N

The same phenomenon could be seen in some coins from York in the tenth century where king is transliterated as CVNVNC but translated as KONUNGR (in English: KONUNGR). Old Norse in coin inscriptions ended after the tenth century.

A full translation of the inscription reads: "Harald Gormson king of Danes, Scania, Jomsborg, town (or bishopric) Aldinburg (Oldenburg in Holstein)".

On the reverse there is an octagonal ridge, which runs around the edge of the object. In the centre of the octagonal ridge there is a Latin cross. There are four dots around the Latin cross. Similar dot markings are common on coins, even on coins from the late 900s. The four dots could possibly symbolize the four evangelists, whose symbols in the Middle Ages had strong associations with the Christ symbolism of the cross.^[4]

Danish anthropologist Karen Schousboe conjectured in 2014 that the Curmsun Disc could be a talisman or medallion, likely created after 963, although at time of her publication it was unclear if the disc was authentic or a fake.^[5] In 2021, Schousboe stated that the disc was authentica, based on Sven Rosborn's research.^[6]

According to research by Swedish archeologist Sven Rosborn, the Latin inscription on the obverse of the Curmsun Disc may have been created by a Frankish monk in connection with Harald Bluetooth's death around 986. Rosborn points out that Adam of Bremen, the only historical source commenting on the death of Harald, says that Harald died in Jumne (Jomsborg) from his wounds. Yet, as Rosborn explains, Jumne probably did not have a Christian church, so Harald's body may have been buried, at least temporarily, in the nearest church located at Wiejkowo. Thus, the disc may have been placed near the burial.^[4] Rosborn's findings have been challenged by Polish researcher Marek Kryda.^[7]

According to Danish archivist Steffen Harpsøe, the disc may have been created by local priests around Jomsborg and Wiejkowo between 1050 and 1125, if missionaries had canonized Harald Bluetooth. Harpsøe also stated that it is unclear if the disc is genuine.^[1]

According to Danish history professor Kurt Villads Jensen, the authenticity of the disc is heavily questionable. It resembles no other known artefact from the Viking age, and it is impossible to precisely date gold objects; even if the alloy is accurate, it might come from a melted down Viking age artefact. Several other Danish professors, including Jes Wienberg and Jens Ulriksen, are equally dubious of the authenticity of the Curmsun disc and the associated Gesta Wuleniensis, and are highly critical of Rosborn's arguments and use of historical sources.^[8]

The Curmsun Disc underwent electron microscopic analysis at Lund University in Sweden. The analysis showed a non-homogeneous alloy with a gold content ranging between 83.3 and 92.8%. The surface and alloy showed characteristics typical for artefacts created during the latest part of the Early Middle Ages. No traces of modern processes or chemicals were discovered. Surface analysis by a gemologist, Jonny Westling, appointed by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Stockholm and Lloyd's/Brookfield Underwriting, showed natural inclusions and patination.^[3]

The Curmsun disc is owned by an undisclosed company and deposited at a bank vault in Sweden. The disc's insured value is US$3.5 million and the valuation has been performed by Jonny Westling, an expert appointed by Swedish Chamber of Commerce and Lloyds/Brookfield Underwriting.^[3]

• Christianization of Scandinavia
• Harald Bluetooth
• Hiddensee treasure
• Bornholm amulet