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Description: | Cast copper alloy Roman object. The object is rectangular in plan and section and measures 33.1mm long, 19.22mm wide, 4.98mm thick and weighs 20.64g. The original surface survives in good condition with a dark green-grey patina, suggesting that the object may be highly leaded. There is some abrasion and tiny patches of exposed surface show as mid green. The object is engraved on one face, to one end, with a pair of clasped hands set within a circular border of dots. At the opposite end on the same face, is an engraved portrait of a Roman emperor, probably Julian (AD 355-363), diademed and facing left. In front of the portrait is the engraved word SABATI[...] or SABATIV. With the portrait in the correct position, the engraved word runs vertical, so is only read correctly when the object is held with the portrait horizontal, with the back of the head downwards and the face pointing up. The reverse face of the object is plain. The object was originally seen by the British Museum in 1997. At the time they confirmed that the clasped hand motif - a symbol related to the junctio or marriage union - was commonly found on Roman jewellery such as finger rings and bracelets. Recent examination of the object in 2005 supports this link, suggesting that it may have been used for making repoussé components for jewellery, by pressing gold foil into the shallow die. The function of the portrait remains unclear, although a connection with coinage seems most likely. Although the way the portrait is engraved precludes its use in the minting process, the similarity in style and size suggest it could have been copied from a coin as an 'engraving test' or perhaps even used as a draft for the production of coin dies used to strike unofficial imitations. A parallel for the object could not be found, which makes it a highly unusual and interesting piece. The presence of the possible head of Julian strongly favours a mid to late 4th century date for the object.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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