Thirteen flat gold sheet rings
Gold sheet, Diameter: 3.5–3.7 cm; Weight: 4.6–8.6 g each; Total weight: 74.6 g.
The internal diameter of the rings, most of which are now heavily compressed and deformed, was originally about 2.0–2.1 cm. As with the beaded rings, the technical evidence indicates that these broad-banded rings are unfinished products (semi-finished objects).
The decoration of the flat gold sheet rings is closely related to that of the reverse frames of five medallions from the treasure, bearing the portraits of Constantius II and Valens, all of which display the characteristic transverse grooves in the smooth central band that are also found on the sheet rings. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that the sheet rings and the frames of these medallions were produced in the same workshop.
Incidentally, the original internal diameter of the rings, about 2.0–2.2 cm, corresponds closely to the 2 cm diameter of the aureus of Maximianus.
The question of the original function of these 24 gold sheet rings, which has not previously been examined in the scholarly literature, cannot be answered with certainty. It is likely, however, that the rings were not intended as independent items of jewellery, but rather were manufactured as components—perhaps decorative elements or mountings—for other objects, which were themselves probably made of precious metal.
Because the rings were found together with the framed medallions, and especially because the broad-banded rings were manufactured in the same workshop that produced the medallion frames, it is plausible that this series of sheet rings represents a stock of prefabricated coin mountings kept in reserve.
In his contribution to the present catalogue, M. Martin interprets the sheet rings as decorative elements or reinforcements for the suspension devices—probably hoops or straps made of organic material—from which the medallions were suspended. However, since the sheet rings show no traces of wear from use and, on technical grounds, must be regarded as unfinished products, their interpretation as frames intended for mounting coins appears more convincing.
Technique and Preservation
The flat, hollow broad-banded rings, decorated on both the inner and outer surfaces with fine beaded borders, are composed of two half-shells.
The halves were produced by a pressing technique, in which a sheet of gold was pressed with a stamping die into a negative mould. Afterwards, the outer edge of the stamped sheet was trimmed with a chisel, and the central opening was cut out.
The stamping die itself was made by rolling a flat gold strip into a ring and soldering it, together with the two lateral beaded bands forming the inner and outer borders, onto a metal rod. The joints of the bands were filled with a filler material, which has evidently fallen out over time.
Two half-shells produced in this way were partially filled with a clay core, fitted together, and soldered. The clay filling is still preserved in one of the rings.
After soldering, the exterior of the rings was finished by pressing a punch into the surface to create the connecting lines between the upper and lower beaded bands. No secondary finishing is visible on the inner surfaces of the rings.
A characteristic feature of these rings is a transverse groove in the smooth zone between the beaded borders, which resulted from the joint in the stamping die. This groove is still clearly visible on eleven rings: on both sides in eight examples and on one side only in three examples.
Quantity
13
Weight
74.6 g
Diameter
3.7 cm
Material
Gold
Hoard
