Scandinavian Viking gold beard ring

Code: 11012

This is a rare Scandinavian gold beard ring, dating from the 9th - 11th century A.D. It is formed as a curled bead of penannular form, the body hammered from a rod of gold. Although it is undecorated, being made from gold would have given the piece status and authority to its wearer. Such beads/rings could be worn in the hair or plaited into a long beard, used as a form of currency for trade within a bullion economy. 

OBJECT: Beard Ring

CULTURE: Viking

DATE: c. 9th - 11th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold

SIZE: 9mm x 5mm 

WEIGHT: 1.46 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection (this is not a British find!)