Viking Era Silver Ring - Viking braiding ring

Rare and massive silver twisted ring from the Viking Age

Authentic and extremely robust silver ring from the early Middle Ages, more specifically dating from the flourishing period of Viking culture between the ninth and eleventh centuries AD. The object is a textbook example of early medieval Scandinavian smithing, where several thick silver threads have been tightly twisted together with great precision into a torsion motif. Characteristic of this specific period and culture is the open construction of the ring. The ends are not fused, but taper and are subtly bent inward to overlap. This ensured that the ring was, on the one hand, flexible enough to be worn as jewelry, for example as a sturdy finger or thumb ring for a man, but on the other hand could also serve a practical economic function. In Viking trade, such valuable objects functioned as portable ring money, with pieces of silver simply cut off and weighed to serve as currency in trading journeys.

The piece has survived the centuries as an archaeological soil find, which is immediately evident from the exceptionally beautiful and untouched condition of the surface. The ring is in an honest, untouched state and has developed a deep, dark gray to blackish patina on the base. The characteristic pits, micro-crackling, and the dark oxidation that has nestled deep into the twisted grooves testify to a centuries-long stay in the ground and provide experts with the ultimate proof of its great age and authenticity. The precious metal is probably derived from melted Islamic dirhams or Carolingian coins, the primary silver sources for Nordic craftsmen of the time.

With an outer diameter of 2.8 cm, an inner diameter of 2.3 cm, and a thickness of 0.8 cm, this is a notably substantial specimen. The exceptionally high weight of no less than 13 grams of solid silver underscores the status of the original owner and makes this piece a heavy, tangible reminder of the maritime and commercial expansion of the early Middle Ages. This lot offers collectors and enthusiasts of early archaeology a unique opportunity to acquire a historically important and aesthetically powerful piece of silver from the legendary Viking Age, well-suited as a centerpiece in a museum or private collection.

Dimensions: 0.8 x 2.8 x 2.3 cm
Weight: 13 g

Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as an analysis of metals (XRF-test), have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.