The Sandur Hoard of the Faroe Islands was discovered in Sandur in 1863 and comprises 98 medieval silver coins that were likely buried between 1070 and 1080. This hoard holds significance not only for its age but also for its origin, shedding light on the countries the Faroese engaged in trade with during the 11th century. It's worth noting that the Faroe Islands are believed to have transitioned from the Viking Age to greater influence from Norway around 1035, leading to the development of the archipelago's monetary system.
Today, these coins are housed in the National Museum of the Faroe Islands (Faroese: Føroya Fornminnissavn) in Thorshavn and serve as a prominent attraction in the city.
The accidental discovery of the coins in 1863 occurred when gravediggers were excavating a grave in the Sandur cemetery, which needed to be unusually deep to accommodate the burials of two plague victims. This find turned out to be the location of the altar of Sandur's first church, which was the second church established in the Faroe Islands. Historians today speculate that this church might have served as the private chapel of a prosperous farmer, given the presence of a Viking cemetery nearby. Consequently, it's believed that this treasure likely belonged to a wealthy farmer rather than being the property of the church.
If the coins were indeed owned by a wealthy farmer, the substantial number of coins from Germany suggests the export of Faroese wool to Germany and the involvement of intermediaries who facilitated this trade using these coins.