UNCERTAIN. (Late 6th-early 5th century BC).Silver Cut Ingot.

Condition : Good very fine.

Material : Silver.

Weight : 5.72 gr
Diameter : 11 mm

This is a silver ingot from the late 6th to early 5th century BC. The ingot appears to have been cut, which was a common practice in ancient times to adjust the weight or divide the ingot into smaller, more manageable units for trade or other purposes. These kinds of objects were often used as a form of currency before the widespread minting of coins. Silver was particularly valued for its utility in commerce and wealth storage, especially in regions like the ancient Near East, Greece, and parts of Asia Minor.

The rough texture and irregular shape of the ingot suggest that it was probably cast in a mold or poured in a less formal manner, as was typical in early forms of currency before standardized coinage became more prevalent. The lack of detailed markings or symbols further reinforces the idea that this is an early form of money, where the intrinsic value of the metal itself was the primary measure of worth rather than any standardized governmental or royal guarantee.

Such ingots played a key role in economic systems that relied heavily on bullion exchange, with merchants and traders typically weighing the silver to assess its value. The cut nature of the ingot could also indicate that it was part of a larger piece, possibly broken down for easier distribution or for smaller transactions. Over time, as coinage systems developed and became standardized, these ingots would have been replaced by minted coins that represented a fixed value guaranteed by the issuing authority. However, during the period this ingot represents, the value was determined by the weight and purity of the metal, and ingots like these circulated in trade networks connecting various ancient civilizations.

It’s a fascinating piece, likely from an early transitional phase in the history of money, before the full adoption of coinage across the ancient world.