Viking Heavy Hack Gold Ring | Majestic Treasure with Hefty Allure

Viking Heavy Hack Gold Ring - 10th to 12th Century CE | Majestic Treasure with Hefty Allure

€8.600,00

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Estimated time period from 900CE to 1100CE

Certificate of Authenticity
Checked against Art Loss Register

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Step back into the Viking Age with this substantial and enigmatic twisted hack gold ring. Dating from the 10th to 12th Century CE, this heavy 38.66-gram ring, with a diameter of 16mm, carries the weight of history. Authenticated by Apollo Galleries and vetted against the Art Loss Register, this artifact offers a direct link to the Viking legacy, ideal for any collector seeking to own a piece of the past.

The Viking hack gold ring is a remarkable artifact from the 10th to 12th Century CE, its substantial weight of 38.66 grams and a diameter of 16mm speaking volumes of the Viking's wealth and their sophisticated craftsmanship. Made from twisted gold bar, commonly referred to as "hack gold," this ring was not only a form of adornment but also a symbol of wealth that could be used as currency in times of trade or dowry arrangements.

The term 'hack gold' refers to the practice of cutting gold into pieces to be used as bullion or makeshift currency, a testament to the Vikings' utilitarian approach to precious metals. The sheer weight of the ring indicates it likely belonged to a person of high status, perhaps a chieftain or a wealthy merchant, who would have used it in significant trade negotiations or as a display of power and wealth.

Gold was a favored material in Viking culture, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its durability and the status it conveyed. The gold used for this ring may have been sourced from various Viking raids or extensive trade networks, which included routes throughout Europe and beyond.

The ring's condition is pristine, suggesting it was treasured and well-maintained throughout its history. Its provenance adds to its value, coming from a West London collector and having been part of collections formed on the UK and international art markets in the 1990s. The intriguing shape and weight of this ring, combined with its historical significance, position it as a centerpiece in any collection.

Catawiki, Hack Gold, Jewelry, Ring, Viking, Wearable

The Viking hack gold ring presents a robust and tactile connection to the Viking Age. The ring's surface, with its subtle textures and indications of being shaped from a larger piece of gold, suggests it was both a decorative item and a tradeable commodity. Its substantial weight and simplistic form suggest a dual function as jewelry and currency, a common practice in Viking economic systems. Such heavy hack gold items are rare, making this ring a valuable find for collectors interested in the Viking era's material culture.