A metal detectorist in Finland has discovered a Viking Age silver hoard containing more than 4,000 coins, making it the country`s largest find of its kind.

Kalle Lappinen found the hoard near Sysmä and reported it to authorities. Archaeologists recovered thousands of silver coins, pieces of silver, a bracelet, a mount and a bead. The coins, weighing about 10 pounds, came from areas including present-day Sweden, Britain, Germany, Turkey and Iran.

The hoard is believed to date from around 1000 to 1050 AD and contains more than twice as many coins as Finland`s previous record hoard, discovered in 1895.

Researchers say the discovery suggests Sysmä may have been an important trading hub about 1,000 years ago. The owner remains unknown.•