PIN

A cast copper alloy pin. The pin is incomplete, the head and a short portion of the shank remain, otherwise it is a fair condition. The shank is circular in section, and is bent at c. 45 °. The terminal of the pin shank is broken, but not recently. The pin head is circular in section, but varies in diameter due to moulded decoration. The terminal of the shank and pin head is defined by an integral wide collar above which is a narrowed straight-sided section. The only decoration on this section is a fine horizontal ridge. This section terminates with a wide integral circular disc whose sides are decorated with three rows of fine pellets. Above this and integral is a narrowed section which terminates with a bulbous knop. Before the bulbous knop develops this section is slightly waisted and decorated with a fine horizontal ridge. The head measures 6.1mm diameter, and the object is 31mm long. It weighs 1.4g. The surface of the pin has a well developed mid brown/green patina on the head, whereas the shank is abraded and only a small patch of the mid brown/green patina remains. The object is a cast copper alloy Roman pin, probably a hair pin. The pin is similar to No. 1 of Group 3 in Cools’ typology (1990 ‘Roman Metal Hair Pins from Southern Britain’ Archaeological Journal Volume 147, p. 148-182). Cool suggests a mid 1st to late 3rd century date for this Group.