Commodity-Money Units in the Medieval Perm Fore-Urals: non-ferrous metal ingots
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24852/2587-6112.2026.5.39.46Keywords:
archaeology, Perm Fore-Urals, Middle Ages, commodity and monetary units, copper alloy ingots, silver ingotsAbstract
The article examines the functional purpose of silver and copper-based alloy ingots, as well as items in the shape of torques and wire bracelets originating from medieval sites of the Perm Fore-Urals. The aim of the study is to determine the possibility of using these categories of artefacts as commodity-monetary units during the coinless period. The research is based on the analysis of weight parameters of 85 objects from museum holdings and archaeological expedition, compared with regional weight systems and hoard materials. The systematization of data has revealed stable groups of ingots with weight values proportional to approximately 4 g, indicating the existence of a local standardization system used within the trade and craft environment. It has been established that silver and copper ingots were employed in trading operations and most likely functioned as equivalents of value. At the same time, the monetary role of bronze wire bracelets requires further investigation.
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