Northern Europe, Scandinavia, pre-Viking period (often called Migration period or Germanic Iron Age), ca. 6th to 7th century CE. An elegant bracteate pendant, made from 98% silver. Shaped like a round shield with a raised central boss, one face is studded with incredibly intricate, delicate silver granulated geometric motifs. The other face is undecorated. The top has a folded-over loop, added at some later (but still ancient) date as a repair or addition. A modern cord is through this, making the piece wearable as a necklace today. Pendants like this one were made to be worn around the neck as a type of amulet or sewn onto clothing, and were frequently made of melted down coinage traded north from the Mediterranean. Size: 1.15" W (2.9 cm); length of modern cord: 20" L (50.8 cm); silver quality - 98%; 3.8 grams

Provenance: private New York City, New York, USA collection; ex-private Latvia collection; ex-private Kaliningrad (Koenigsberg) ; found on the Baltic Sea coast prior to 1982

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#144563

Loop for suspension is an ancient addition/repair. Small tear in silver behind it that is not visible from the front, probably a result of adding this loop. Slight bending to form. Granulations all nicely preserved. Rich patina. Comes with modern cord for wearing.