Roman gold pendant in the form of crescent (c. AD 1st–2nd centuries).
Gold pendant in the form of a crescent. The obverse is decorated with three gold globules, arranged symmetrically, one in the centre and one on each side. A small loop of gold ribbon for suspension is soldered to the crescent above.
Cf. Jewellery/Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman, in the Departments of Antiquities, British Museum, no. 2911; Faraone 2018, The Transformation of Greek Amulets in Roman Imperial Times, fig. 1.13; L. Ruseva-Slokoska, Roman Jewellery (1991) p. 134, no. 84 (torque);
Crescents as a decoration of torques and necklaces were a characteristic element during the Roman Period, an influence of Hellenistic traditions. The magic properties of the crescent-shaped pendants were resuscitated, as a manifestation of love magic.
Weight: 1.33 g.
Diameter: 19.93 mm.