The Viking-age silver and gold hoards of Scandinavian character from Scotland

Abstract

Handlist and discussion of thirty-one Viking-age hoards containing characteristic Scandinavian type rings, ingots or hack-silver (purely native hoards and hoards of stycas are excluded), deposited during 9th to 12th centuries. Fifteen single finds of gold and silver objects are included. These totals fall well below the equivalent figures for Ireland (107 hoards, over 150 single finds) and emphasis is placed upon the insignificance of overseas trade and the absence of urban growth in Viking-age Scotland. 'Ring-money' appears to be a Norse-Scottish product, but analysis of the weights (see 78/5601) does not yet prove its use as currency. AR