Ave!

Celtic Proto Bell Money, c. 700-400 BC

Copper alloy; 28mm/8.2gm

Con/ As Cast; unblemished pale green patina, cleaned and waxed.

Seller's Note/ Such 'proto money' was used as a trading commodity (currency) before the introduction of struck coins in the Eastern Danube region and the Black sea area by the Celtic tribes and were marketed by their weight. The most common types were simple round rings, while others had a few knobs or lugs that were worn as beads or jewelry in one manner or another.

The hole in this bell-shaped money was not a flaw in the casting, but done purposely. Attached in multiples to a thong, with knots between, they would have created a pleasant chiming when worn as either a necklace or on a bracelet. The ancient Celts, no dummies, certainly were marketing these bells for women.

Extremely Rare, this was ground found in an ancient Celtic settlement south of the River Drava.