Viking 23K+ Gold Ring Punched Decoration

Northern Europe, Viking, ca. 10th to 11th century CE. A magnificent Viking ring comprised of skillfully hammered 23K+ gold and presenting an ample decorated section that is meticulously punched with dotted circular patterns, some of which overlap, with a granulated ridge midway across the face. This section gradually narrows to a wrapped gold wire shank. A striking example, replete with impressive workmanship and artistry. US ring size 8.25. Size: opening measures .875" L x .75" W (2.2 cm x 1.9 cm); decorated area measure ~ 1.25" L x .625" W (3.2 cm x 1.6 cm); Weight: 5.2 grams; Gold quality: 97.7%, equivalent to 23K+

Many Vikings did not have a standard minted currency available to them, and so instead kept their wealth in the form of jewelry made from precious metals. Scholars believe that a common practice was to amass a hoard of these objects and then deposit them, often in water sources like rivers. Gold rings - like all gold objects - were apparently quite rare, only found in graves of the highest status. In pagan Viking culture, so roughly before the turn of the millennium, gold rings were used to swear oaths on and as markers of the godi, members of the Thing (governing assembly); some scholars have speculated that their deposition in hoards was an attempt to save them from violation with the coming sweep of Christianity. Perhaps this ring has a similar history.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Kaliningrad (Koenigsberg) and then Latvia collection; found on the Baltic Sea coast prior to 1982

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#153456
Condition Report: Minor bending and indentations. Small area of separation/opening to on one side of the central ridge. Gold has developed a beautiful warm patina over the ages.