Ancient-Jewellery

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Web site: https://www.ancient-jewellery.com/

Middle Bronze Age Gold Lockenring Ring Money

£1,390.00 Approx $1752.84, €1621.94

Code: 11282



This is a rare Middle Bronze Age gold 'lock-ring', dating to circa 1600 - 1400 B.C. This item would have acted as a single link in a regal chain or royal collar. These 'lock-rings' were used as a form of currency for trade (a precursor to Celtic Ring-Money). Similar 'lock-rings' can be seen in the British Museum. I have a small group from an English private collection (see the last photograph). Each lockring could be attached to other pieces to form a long chain, each unit could then be removed and traded or gifted as a means on largess in a Clan setting. Most examples are single finds but occasionally found buried in hoards strung together. Rare and interesting!

OBJECT: Lock-Ring

CULTURE: Middle Bronze Age

DATE: c. 1600 - 1400 B.C.

MATERIAL: Gold

SIZE: 19.72mm x 14.10mm x 8.66mm

WEIGHT: 4.92 grams

PROVENANCE: Formerly part of an English private collection, originally acquired from the London Art Market