14 On the Ring Money of the Celte. 
This specimen is singular in its shape, from its very broad, thin, and flat points, 
which are of equal thickness, except just at the junction with the stem. They are 
found of various sizes and weights, some of the plates are two inches in diameter, but 
all very thin. One specimen, in the collection of Alderman West, has, on the back 
of one of the plates, a small loop, through which a cord of the size of a pack-thread 
might pass. 
It is very difficult to decide on this specimen; it bears a strong resemblance in 
some respects to its predecessors, and yet it differs so much that it might be consi- 
dered a different article altogether. 
To look at the last five specimens, unconnected with the others, no one would 
imagine them ring-money ; but, seeing the gradual variations, I think they may 
fairly be considered as the same. ‘The necessity of stringing small money is obvious 
to preserve them from loss, but for the larger and more valuable this precaution is 
not required. 
These ring coins of the Gael suggest a very early period of civilization, before the 
Phenicians struck medallic coins on flat plates, with the effigies of a sovereign, or 
emblem of a people, and a legend or inscription. The Phenicians were, at a very 
early period, acquainted with the art of coining money ; and as there are very few, if 
any, instances of Phenician coins found in Ireland, the period of their intercourse 
must have been of very remote antiquity. I have seen but one brass coin which was 
thought to be Phenician, and that of doubtful character—their intercourse most likely 
ceased with Ireland before they coined money on plates. 
SILVER RINGS. 
Since the foregoing was written, the Dean of Saint Patrick’s has placed in my hands 
six rings of silver, of very rude workmanship. I have never seen any similar, and, 
at first sight, could scarcely believe they could be money; but further investigation, 
and their graduated weight, led me to the affirmative conclusion. I have weighed 
