found at Iona Abbey, Iona
These three objects were found with over 360 Anglo-Saxon coins, buried at Iona Abbey on Iona between 986 and 990. They form an unusual and exotic group compared with other Viking Age hoards.
The silver and gold bezel from a finger ring is probably Anglo-Saxon in origin, and shows signs of wear. The silver ingot was of purely bullion value, as was the gold rod. However, gold is not common in Scottish Viking Age hoards or settlement finds.
The Iona Abbey hoard contained over 360 coins, probably the largest number in any Scottish Viking Age hoard, together with these three objects. It may well be a savings hoard, buried for safety during a Viking raid which is known to have occurred in 986.
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