Celtic. Proto Wheel Money. (Circa 700-400 BC)

Celtic. Proto Wheel Money. (Circa 700-400 BC). Copper alloy (24.77g/37mm). Cast; lush dark green patina. Early forms of “proto-money” served as trade commodities before the arrival of minted coins in the Eastern Danube and Black Sea regions, particularly among Celtic tribes. These items were valued and exchanged based on their weight. The most typical examples were plain circular rings, though some featured small knobs or lugs and were likely worn as beads or decorative ornaments. This particular piece was almost certainly strung on a cord and worn as a pendant. It is an exceptionally rare find, discovered in a Celtic settlement south of the River Drava.