UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

A lead alloy unidentified object of probable Post Medieval date. It may be a seal or token of some sort, maybe which has been over stamped. The object is a circular disc. Both faces are decorated.

The obverse has a central bust in relief. It is fairly crude with a very round chin, pointed nose and large pointed oval eye with the pupil depicted. The hair appears to be tied back.There is a border, probably also cast in relief, of two intertwined lines. In front of the face, the background seems to have been stamped. Some beading is visible, and possibly the numbers "28". The 28 is the right way up when the top of the bust is at 4 o'clock.

The reverse has an outer band filled with lettering and a quatrefoil which may mark the start. The lettering to the left of the initial mark appears to be correctly orientated and may read: (PONTMO) from the base. The lettering to the right appears to be retrograde and may start SNA from the top. Within the outer legend is a row of beading, then possible further lettering. The centre has been over-stamped with a hexagon containing six running loops. Taking the bust and the quatrefoil as indicators of correct orientation, the object has a die axis of 2 o'clock.

Two circular holes have been pierced through the object; one at 4 o'clock and one at 10 o'clock on the obverse. The lead is well patinated to a smooth cream finish. The style of the decoration and the bust suggest a Post Medieval date.

The object has some similarities to Admiral Vernon medallions, but does not look like any listed in this catalogue: http://www.coins-of-panama.com/vernon.html