In the annals of archaeological oddities, the Lloyds Bank Coprolite stands as a peculiar champion, earning the title of the most expensive poop in history with a valuation of around $39,000. Discovered in 1972 during construction work in York, England, this 1,200-year-old fossilized human excrement measures an impressive 8 inches long and 2 inches wide, making it the largest of its kind ever unearthed. Named after the nearby Lloyds Bank site, this Viking relic offers a rare glimpse into the 9th-century life of its creator, revealing dietary habits and health struggles. Today, it resides at the JORVIK Viking Centre, captivating visitors with its unlikely story. Let’s explore the journey of this remarkable artifact.
A Surprising Discovery
The Lloyds Bank Coprolite’s tale begins in 1972, when construction workers digging the foundation for a new Lloyds Bank branch on Pavement Street in York stumbled upon a treasure trove of Viking artifacts. Among the finds was this extraordinary coprolite—fossilized feces preserved in the waterlogged, oxygen-free soil of the former Viking settlement of Jórvík. Measuring 20 centimeters by 5 centimeters, its size and intact condition set it apart, sparking curiosity about the Viking who left it behind over a millennium ago.
A Window into Viking Life
Scientific analysis of the coprolite has provided fascinating insights. Experts suggest it came from a 9th-century Viking whose diet consisted primarily of meat and bread, with little evidence of fruits or vegetables—unlike other findings from the same site. The presence of hundreds of parasitic eggs, including whipworms and maw-worms, indicates the individual suffered from intestinal parasites, shedding light on the health challenges of Viking-era York. This blend of dietary and medical evidence paints a picture of a rugged life, where sanitation was rudimentary and parasitic infections were common.
From Dung to Dollars
What makes the Lloyds Bank Coprolite truly extraordinary is its valuation. Appraised at approximately $39,000 in 1991 for insurance purposes, its worth reflects its rarity and scientific value rather than any market intent—the JORVIK Viking Centre has no plans to sell. Paleoscatologist Andrew Jones famously called it “as irreplaceable as the Crown Jewels,” a testament to its status as a unique historical artifact. The coprolite’s preservation, likely due to York’s peaty soil, has kept it intact for over 1,200 years, elevating its significance beyond mere curiosity.
A Fragile Treasure
The coprolite’s journey hasn’t been without mishap. In 2003, it broke into three pieces when dropped during a visitor exhibit, requiring careful reconstruction by conservators. Since 2008, it has been securely displayed at the JORVIK Viking Centre, where climate-controlled conditions protect its fragile structure. Visitors flock to see this oddity, often with a mix of amusement and awe, as it bridges the gap between ancient history and modern science.
A Legacy in Excrement
The Lloyds Bank Coprolite is more than a quirky relic—it’s a portal to the past, offering tangible evidence of Viking life in York. Its impressive size, parasitic clues, and hefty valuation highlight the unexpected ways archaeology uncovers history. From its humble origins beneath a bank to its current home as a museum star, this Viking poop remains a symbol of resilience, revealing the daily struggles and diets of a bygone era. At the JORVIK Viking Centre, it continues to educate and intrigue, proving that even the most unusual artifacts hold profound stories.
