Rare Viking penny found by metal detectorist in Congham near King's Lynn

A rare penny worn by a Viking to "advertise his Christianity" which they converted to in Britain has been found by a metal detectorist near Lynn.

The penny was made for St Edmund - an Anglo-Saxon king killed by the Vikings in AD869 and then made a saint.

But experts say within two generations pagan Vikings went from killing Edmund to "striking coins in his name" to wear as converted Christians.

The AD890-915 silver coin had been hammered into a pendant so the Viking could wear it round his neck.

It was found at Congham and Norfolk Coroner's Court declared it treasure.

A spokesman for the Norfolk Historic Environment Service told the BBC: '"St Edmund memorial pennies were struck by Vikings who had become Christians so the wearer could advertise his Christianity.''