File:Byzantine pendant of Empress Theodora (incomplete) (FindID 725343).jpg

English: A uniface copper-alloy disc, probably representing an insert from an Early-Medieval pendant.

The decorated surface of this disc is a direct copy of the reverse design on a gold histamenon of Byzantine empress Theodora (1055-1056) and is also the same diameter as the original coin. On the left of the design is the standing figure of Theodora and on the right is the Virgin Mary, both facing forwards. The empress wears a crown, saccos and loros, whilst the Virgin is nimbate and clad in pallium and maphorium. Between the two figures, and held by both, is a labarum. The legend reads: + ΘεΟΔωΡΑ ΑVΓΟVCTA ('Theodora Augusta'), with [M - Θ] flanking the Virgin's shoulders (description from Sear 1974: p. 311, no. 1837). A double beaded border extends around the circumference.

Diameter: 20.8mm; thickness: 0.5mm. Weight: 0.88g.

Byzantine coins and related objects are occasionally found in Britain. The use of designs from Byzantine coins is a common feature of bracteate pendants produced in the 5th to 7th centuries (see, for example, PAS record NLM-211E22). This object differs from the majority of bracteates, however, in that it employs copper-alloy rather than precious metal; in addition, unlike bracteates, which are usually decorated using the repoussée technique, the surface details on this piece appear to have been achieved in the same way as on a coin of this period: by striking with a die. In fact, given the regularity of the image and the accurateness of the legend, it seems a distinct possibility that an original coin die was employed in its production. Although rare, pendants made from genuine Byzantine coins have been found in Britain: BH-E11856, a silver miliaresion of the Byzantine emperor Romanus III (1028-1034), with an applied loop, is a noteworthy example. It is probable that this piece was made to be set into a pendant frame as, when new, it would no doubt have resembled the original gold coin. The plain reverse displays numerous file marks, but there is no suggestion of any design having been obliterated, so it would seem unlikely that this is a forgery of the gold coin. It is also considerably lighter than the original coin, which generally weighs around 4.3g.