A rare gold Viking bracelet, believed to be around 1,000 years old, has been discovered on the Isle of Man by amateur treasure hunter Ronald Clucas. The stunning find, made up of eight intricately braided gold rods, has astonished archaeologists with its craftsmanship and historical significance.
The Amateur Archaeologist Behind the Discovery
Clucas, who made the find using a metal detector, was taken by surprise despite his years of experience. Gold's low conductivity makes it notoriously difficult to detect with such equipment, which makes this discovery even more remarkable.
Vikings, Trade, and “Hack Gold”
The bracelet measures approximately 7.7 centimeters in length and 3.7 centimeters in width, weighing in at nearly 27.3 grams. Its precise construction reflects the skill of Viking-era artisans. The fact that the bracelet was cut suggests it may have been used as “hack gold” — a form of currency in which precious metal objects were cut into pieces and traded, a common practice among the Vikings.
This isn’t Clucas’s first significant discovery. In 2005, he unearthed both a silver and a lead ingot from the same period. The recent find adds another crucial piece to the historical puzzle of the Isle of Man, which was a major Viking hub from the 9th century onward.
Why Gold is Especially Rare
Experts note that gold artifacts were relatively uncommon during the Viking Age. Silver was by far the dominant metal used for both trade and jewelry-making. At the time, gold was estimated to be worth about ten times more than silver, making this bracelet exceptionally valuable.
The Isle of Man as a Viking Trade Center
The Isle of Man has yielded other significant treasures in recent years. In 2021, another amateur metal detectorist discovered a trove of jewelry, including a gold bracelet and a large silver brooch, dated to around 950 AD. Such findings point to the presence of wealthy and influential communities on the island during that era.
Hiding treasure was a common Viking practice, especially during times of upheaval. These hoards typically included jewelry, coins, and other valuables buried with the intent of later retrieval. Their discovery today offers vital insight into Viking trade networks, social hierarchies, and cultural customs.
