BYZANTINE COIN

CURATOR'S REPORTA gold pendant, incorporating a Visigothic gold tremissis in the name of the Roman Emperor Anastasius I of Byzantium (r.491-518).Description of findThe 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 rightRev. VICT____VGOSTORVM____, Winged Victory, facing right, holding wreathDiscussionThe 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.