Currency bar Ramo secco bar

Features

Issuer Uncertain Etruscan mint (Etruria)
Type Standard circulation coin
Years 601 BC - 301 BC
Currency Currency bar (circa 601-301 BC)
Composition Bronze
Size 74 mm
Shape Rectangular (irregular)
Demonetized Yes
Number
N#
179870
References Haeberlin# p. 17
Ernst Justus Haeberlin; 1910. Aes Grave : das Schwergeld Roms und Mittelitaliens einschliesslich der ihm vorausgehenden Rohbronzewährung. Joseph Baer, Frankfurt, Germany.

Obverse

Dry branch pattern.

Reverse

Dry branch pattern.

Edge

Smooth.

Comments

Currency bars were used to weigh bronze transactions, rather than count them. As such, currency bars could be cut to the proper weight to pay for something. With that being said, the weight and length of these pieces will vary greatly. The British Museum has a few examples, weighing from 665-2247 grams (the pictured example is 1410 grams). Museum numbers are 1874,0714.101-6.

These bars are typically found in northern-central Italy, and the date is suggested by one such piece being discovered in a stratum of an excavation along with some pottery pieces, with those pottery pieces being dated to the 6th century BC. These bars more than likely circulated until the 3rd century BC.

One of the finest known examples, measuring 148 x 74 x 30 millimetres and weighing 1865.00 grams:


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Date VG F VF XF AU UNC
ND (601 BC - 301 BC) 

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Numista Rarity index: 100 Search tips
This index is based on the data of Numista members collections. It ranges from 0 to 100, 0 meaning a very common coin or banknote and 100 meaning a rare coin or banknote among Numista members.

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