Rights Holder: Sussex Archaeological Society
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Unique ID: SUSS-BB4692
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published
Treasure case 2008 T4: Acquired by Barbican House Museum, Lewes Silver finger ring with a flat plain band 19.9mm in diameter, 2.7mm wide and 0.6mm thick. The band is inscribed on the outside with alternate letters and crosses, +A+G+L+M in lombardic lettering. The inside is plain and there is no hallmark. Treasure Report Description: A medieval silver finger-ring, formed of a plain band of rectangular section. The band is inscribed in Lombardic lettering: + A + G + L + A . The letters are derived from the Latin version of the initial letters of the Hebrew words Ata gibor le'olam Adonai ('You are mighty forever, O Lord'), and were believed to be a powerful charm against fever in the medieval period. Cf Treasure Report 1998-1999, 118, for a similar ring with the same inscription. Date: 13th or early 14th century Dimensions: Diameter: 20.5mm. Width: 2mm.
Notes:
The find therefore qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 in terms of both age and precious metal content and should go forward to inquest.
Beverley Nenk Dept Prehistory and Europe British Museum
Valued by the Treasure Valuation Committee (29/10/08) at £150.
Current location of find: Barbican House Museum, Lewes
Subsequent action after recording: Donated to museum after being declared Treasure
Treasure case tracking number: 2008T4
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: AD 1200
Date to: AD 1325
Quantity: 1
Width: 2.7 mm
Thickness: 0.6 mm
Diameter: 19.9 mm
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 17th December 2007
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Other reference: Treasure: 2008 T4
Treasure case number: 2008T4
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.