CHAPTER 15 - Slave Girl Money of Ireland

Abstract

This chapter provides insight on the use of slave girl as currency in Ireland. A full-grown cow or ox was in ancient times a very general standard of value in Ireland. It was used both in actual payment and in estimating amounts. Another preferred monetary unit in ancient Ireland was the slave girl or bondsmaid. It is believed that the slave girls became an abstract unit of account by the 2nd century A.D. Another preferred means of payment and standard of value was the bag of grain, containing usually oats or barley. Presumably it was used for smaller values than the slave girl or the cow. Rings and other ornaments of standard weight were used as a medium of exchange. Gold, iron and brass rings existed in Ireland for ages prior to our era. Open rings were the most common form of smaller gold ring money found in Ireland. The rings are believed to have been the principal circulating medium till the arrival of the Danes in 11th century, when coined money came to be adopted.