Celtic Coins - Proto Money Older Than The Lydia Lion

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Author	Replies: 9 / Views: 5,452
Topcat7 Pillar of the Community 1121 Posts	Posted 11/10/2014 3:16 pm Long before the introduction of struck coinage into ancient Celtic Europe, these copper rings were used as currency by Celtic tribes and were often worn on clothing or tied together by ropes. These particular rings, often refered to as "proto-money", were created inÂ Â ancientÂ Moesia (Bulgaria) as long ago as 7th Cent. B.C. The sizes range from 10mm-40mm. (From Noble Roman Coins) These 'coins' spread across Europe with the Celts. Here are some of mine. Report this Post to the Staff

echizento Moderator United States 23731 Posts	Posted 11/10/2014 3:24 pm Very nice group, they come in all sizes. I have only one small one. Report this Post to the Staff
Ancientnoob Pillar of the Community United States 5155 Posts	Posted 11/10/2014 3:43 pm Very cool. There are also decorated variations of these. Good to have... Report this Post to the Staff
Topcat7 Pillar of the Community 1121 Posts	Posted 11/10/2014 5:10 pm Thanks, Ski, and A.N. 'Bartering' went on, since goodness knows when, but this 'money' was the first 'coin' I have found to exist (in Europe) and it pre-dates the 'Lydia Lion' and the 'Aegina Turtle'. You are right A.N. some examples are adorned with 'bulbs' and 'bumps'. I do have some older Chinese 'coins' that I might put up later. Report this Post to the Staff
chrsmat71 Pillar of the Community United States 4971 Posts	Posted 11/10/2014 10:31 pm i'd like to have one of these myself TC, not a priority but it is on my list if I ever run into a target of opportunity. Report this Post to the Staff
chuy1530 Pillar of the Community United States 513 Posts	Posted 11/11/2014 12:53 am These are usually differentiated from currency and coinage in that they weren't of a standardized weight. You see a similar thing with cowrie shells in a few cultures. They're cool and I've got a couple proto-money pieces but I'd love to add a ring one of these days. By the way, it still boggles my mind that the entire bronze age empire system functioned without currency. It just seems unbelievable. A Scythian arrowhead piece of protomoney. These are too small to have been actually used so were likely used just for trade. This one is 25 mm, 3 g. What I'm assured is not just a random lump of metal but is an Aes Rude, an Italian form of protocurrency that would have looked not really that different (although larger) back in the day. These probably weren't traded, but I think they're neat anyway. It's an Olbian dolphin temple token that was probably just used as a donation/sacrifice at temples. Report this Post to the Staff
Topcat7 Pillar of the Community 1121 Posts	Posted 11/11/2014 02:07 am Quote: These are usually differentiated from currency and coinage in that they weren't of a standardized weight Yes, I see what you mean, but they didn't have to be a standardized weight back then. (I am guessing) that the Celtic Bronze Ring had a (standard) value despite its diameter or weight, as did the Chinese Cauri Shell and other forms of early currency 'money'. (IMO that makes sense.) As man progressed from two lettuces equals one cauliflower (note - their weight depended on the growing season) then 'currency' or money was something that was a 'known entity' and had a prescribed value and was 'stable' irrespective of size and weight. Later on the 'technocrats' decided to complicate (I mean simplify) the process by defining the value by weight and composition (bronze Vs silver Vs gold) and then description (denarius etc.). And now, weight doesn't determine (face) value. The Australian $2 coin is smaller (20.5 mm Vs 25 mm) and weighs less (6.4 gm Vs 9.1 gm) than the Australian $1 coin of lesser 'face' value. All very interesting. Edited by Topcat7 11/11/2014 03:20 am Report this Post to the Staff
chuy1530 Pillar of the Community United States 513 Posts	Posted 11/11/2014 9:27 pm Yeah, the history of currency is really interesting, and if you took a Roman to now he'd probably be much more confused by paper money than he would be by bartering with rings. Report this Post to the Staff
Topcat7 Pillar of the Community 1121 Posts	Posted 11/11/2014 10:09 pm Absolutely!! Report this Post to the Staff
Ancientnoob Pillar of the Community United States 5155 Posts	Posted 11/12/2014 08:26 am Wow I have never seen Scythian Proto Money. That's cool. Report this Post to the Staff
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