DATE: Vintage, 1970s

A cool vintage mushroom charm dating from the 1970s. It's crafted in 18 karat gold and modelled after the infamous fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) - albeit with black instead of white spots. These mushrooms are noted for their hallucinogenic properties induced by the neurotoxins ibotenic acid and muscimol, and they are known to have been widely used by many of the indigenous peoples of Sibera by both shamans and lay people alike. The toxins are water soluble and, after parboiling twice with water draining, it's eaten in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. I wouldn't recommend trying this, however.

MEASUREMENTS 

15.0 x 9.0mm

WEIGHT 

0.9g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 18k gold

CONDITION 

Excellent