Runes
The alphabet we use today is based on Latin script, which in turn
came from the Greek alpha beta etc. The ancient Germanic folk
used a script known as runes - the oldest of these is called the
Elder 'Futhark', after the first six symbols. As can be seen, the 'th'
sound and the 'ng' sound are each represented by one rune, as
are 'v' and 'w'.  Detector users can benefit from the study of runes,
especially where early Anglo-Saxon coins are concerned.  Runes
are often seen mixed with English script on sceattas and stycas.