A Viking age coin hoard, which included silver bracelets or rings, was found here in the spring of 1867 whilst digging for the foundations of the new tower for Andreas Parish Church. The find was made at about 1.5 metres depth.  It is recorded that nearly 100 coins were thrown out in one spade-full of earth.  


Much of the hoard is now lost, but as far as has been ascertained they were of the reigns of Eadgar (AD959-975) and Edwy (AD955-959), but of various 'moneyers'.  The surviving coins consist of Eadwig and Eadgar with representatives of an Imitative Series, copying Eadgar that date essentially from the 970s when the hoard appears to have been deposited. A police report dated 1874 makes it clear that apart from the coins, the hoard also contained 'some old rings' or 'silver bracelets'; these are not known to have survived.


Along with these coins were also found some horses teeth, bits of charred wood, and black earth, which indicated burning. 'The coins were generally in very bad condition, and most of them were purloined by the workmen; but some few have been preserved.'


'In 1874, several coins of a similar kind were found in digging a grave (in the churchyard).'  Seventy-five coins from Andreas Church are in the Manx Museum and some from Arthur Moore's Collection were received circa 1939.  Forty-one coins now survive in the Manx Museum consisting of Hiberno-Norse, Hiberno-Manx, and Anglo-Saxon pennies, several of which were perforated. The surviving coins suggest concealment of the hoard towards the end of the 1040s, but it only forms part of the original find which was dispersed on discovery. 


'A further parcel of three complete and one damaged coin from the 1860s (sic) Andreas church tower hoard has come to light. This was lent to the Manx Museum for study and photography. The patina on the damaged coin matched that on the Manx Museum's holding, confirmation that it formed part of the same hoard. The coins remain in private hands.'