Ingot of silver

This silver ingot is part of the large Viking Age silver hoard found at Burray in Orkney, deposited between around 997 and 1010. Like the rest of the silver in the hoard, it was collected as silver bullion for use in economic exchanges.

The ingot has been hammered smooth on all sides. It has three nicks, cuts made to test its purity of silver during its circulation. The ingot weighs 10.1 grams.

Ingots had two main purposes in the Viking Age: for storing metal for a jeweller, and as a convenient form for use in economic transactions. When found in hoards with other objects and hacksilver, the second function is more likely.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-102-638-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.IL 266
Date:	997 - 1010 AD Deposited around 997 and 1010
Material:	Silver; small straight bar
Dimensions:
What:	Ring, arm
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Orkney, Burray
Event:
Description:	Silver arm ring from the Burray hoard, 997 - 1010 AD
References:	Graham-Campbell, James. The Viking-age gold and silver of Scotland (AD 850-1100), 1995, pp. 51-2, 131-41.
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