Ingot of silver

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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: 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
  Ring, arm
  
• 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. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: