COIN

A copper alloy possible coin, token, or pendant, probably of Post medieval to Modern date. It is exceedingly worn, making a definite identifiaction unlikely. It is a circular disc of thin copper alloy, with a slight bulge at what is presumed to be the top, which may be the remains of a suspension loop. On one face, some design can be seen. It appears to be a full length enthroned figure, with a nimbus. In the right field is a cluster of three pellets, and a large capital letter I, or perhaps a column. In the left field are three horizontal lines and below them a possible letter S. This design is similar to that found on Byzantine coins, but they are much thicker.

The other face is less clear. If the die axis is 12o'clock, then there is a semi-circular motif in the centre, straight side across the bottom, with the straight edge extending as a line to the edges of the flan. Below this is an irregular, flat, sub-rectangular shape with rounded shoulders. It is possible these shapes are a bust, being the head and shoulders respectively. A bust like this is found on tokens of Queen Anne, but the pattern does not quite match. If rotated by 90 degrees clockwise, the same shapes can be interpreted as a standing figure holding a tall, curved shield before him, with a cloak or drapery billowing behind.

It has not been possible to find a parallel for this item. It is most likely to be a coin, token, jetton or pendant, or a commemorative medallion, perhaps foreign, of Post Medieval to Modern date. It has a smooth golden brown patina, is very worn, and measures 30mm diamater, 0.7mm thick and 3.43g. It was found near the coast, and the salt may have effected the corrosion and patination.

It is also possible that this is an inset from an Early Medieval pendant, deliberately modelled on a Byzantine coin. Compare BH-1C328B.

Numismatic data

No numismatic data has been recorded for this coin yet.

Coin references

No coin references available.