Expert: Ralph Salier - 4/21/2007

Question
Hello, a friend of mine came across a stone about 10 years ago and it had symbols all over it. He didn't think much about it and recently, he showed it to me. I took a picture of it and showed it to my art teacher and she said it looks like a Viking Runestone. I did a little research online and the symbols used on these runestones are all over this stone. Can you point me to the right person to find out what this stone is and the possible value on it? I will send you a pic of it if you send me your email address. Thank you very much.

Justin Robards

Answer
Hi Justin,

My email is rsalier@hotmail.com.  Please send me the pic and I'll be happy to take a look at it.  Here are some question for your friend:

1) where was the stone found?
2) what were the circumstances of finding the stone?
3) how big is the stone (please have a ruler next to the stone for scale)
4) Do you know what the stone is made of?

Ralph