Rights Holder: The British Museum
CC License:
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Unique ID: KENT-C37138
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
CURATOR'S REPORT
A gold pendant, incorporating a Visigothic gold tremissis in the name of the Roman Emperor Anastasius I of Byzantium (r.491-518).
Description of find
The coin has been made into a pendant, showing the Victory reverse, probably in England in the 6th or early 7th century, when coin-jewellery of this type was fashionable. It shows two suspension points, which may have been made at the same time. It appears to have a gold suspension loop, but only a small piece now survives; this is plainer than is usual for the period, being a simple flat bar, soldered to one side of the coin only, and unattached on the other. Below this are two holes, around which are signs of wear and damage; it is not apparent whether the damage is a result of wear, or caused when the suggested rivets were removed.
Obv. DN ___STASIUSPPAVG, diademed bust right
Rev. VICT____VGOSTORVM____, Winged Victory, facing right, holding wreath
Discussion
The main part of the object is a gold tremissis in the name of the Byzantine emperor Anastasius I (AD 491-518), but the workmanship suggests that this is a Visigothic imitation, probably minted in Toulose or Narbonne, rather than an official Byzantine issue.
Class: Coin
Current location of find: Norwhich Castle Museum
Subsequent action after recording: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Treasure case tracking number: 2007T673
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 491
Date to: Circa AD 625
Quantity: 1
Length: 15.13 mm
Thickness: 0.57 mm
Weight: 1.39 g
Diameter: 14.32 mm
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Treasure case number: 2007T673
Primary material: Gold
Manufacture method: Struck or hammered
Completeness: Complete
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
No references cited so far.