British bronze age gold composite ring money adornment

Code: 10072

This is a rare Middle Bronze Age gold ring money, dating to c. 1200 B.C. Before minted coinage, the Celtic peoples traded in bullion and other commodities. Ring Money pieces such as this have been found throughout Britain and Ireland, likely used as a form of adornment or early jewelry. The ring is composite with two equal sized annular rings, each with a dished groove joined together to form two distinct sections (see ESS-71DFE4 and LIN-D7E6D1)

Academics have in recent years debated the use of such items, as a form of currency, or items of jewelry (such as hair rings, or beard rings). It is an excellent example of a Bronze Age Ring Money adornment, that must have been once owned and worn by the Druid or elite class of Bronze Age society.

OBJECT: Gold Ring Money

CULTURE: Middle Bronze Age

DATE: c. 1500 - 1100 B.C.

MATERIAL: Gold (Gold Analysis XRF determined the purity  to be Au 777.4,   Ag 172.3   & Cu 50.25)

SIZE: 15.43mm x 7.81mm

WEIGHT: 3.09g

PROVENANCE: Ex. Private Collection, Zurich. Switzerland. Originally found in England.