Sale: CNG 61, Lot: 2535. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 25 September 2002.  Sold For $1100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CELTIC ENGLAND. Later Bronze to Iron Ages. Circa 1100-100 BC. AV 16mm "Trumpet" Ring Money (3.94 gm). Plain solid penanular ring which widens at ends to form trumpet-shaped terminals. Cf. van Arsdell 1-3; Chris Rudd List 46 (1999), lot 2. Good VF. Very rare. ($1000)

Van Arsdale, in his book "Celtic Coins in Britain," says precious-metal rings like this one "may have had multiple functions; as items of personal adornment (many were hair ornaments), as a means of displaying wealth, and as a medium of exchange. The weights and diameters vary, making it difficult to establish whether denominations existed."