Ingot depicting a Reed Hull Egyptian Ship

Rectangular shaped ingot. Obverse: Starboard broadside view of a Reed Hull Egyptian ship, sail set. Three figures, two standing one sitting. Inscription: 'REED HULL EGYPTIAN SHIP'. Reverse: Inscription, 'REED HULL EGYPTIAN SHIP C. 3000 B.C. This is the world's oldest known sailing vessel. Its hull was made from papyrus reeds. Due to this fragile construction, a two-legged mast was used to distribute the weight. The mast was set well forward and carried and single square sail. The first evidence of this use of a sail is a primitive design on an Egyptian vase.'

Object Details

ID: MEC2858
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: Ingot
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Franklin Mint
Date made: 1976
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 48 x 64 x 3 mm