Ancient Roman Gold Beautiful Rare Medallion Amulet Pendant –Imperial Caesar Portrait – Remarkably Preserved Collector’s (No reserve price)

A piece of the past, made to be worn

Beautiful & Rare Renaissance Sun Pendant – Radiant Solar Disc with Openwork Rays – Silver – ca. 15th–16th Century AD

Object Type: Gold Portrait Medallion / Pendant / Amulet
Culture: Ancient Roman
Period: Roman Imperial Period
Date Range: ca. 1st–4th Century AD
Material: Gold
Technique: Repoussé, Hand-Finished, Raised Relief Decoration
Form: Oval Medallion with Suspension Loop
Decoration: Imperial Portrait in Relief, Surrounded by a Beaded Border
Iconography: Roman Imperial Portrait / Caesar Iconography
Condition: Very Well Preserved

-Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Certificate: available upon request before shipment (PDF format)
-All shipments are sent fully insured
-During photography, a warm-toned lighting setup reminiscent of museum display illumination was used to emphasize the object's surface details and historic character in a natural manner.
-The suspension cord and connecting rings shown in the photographs are used solely for presentation purposes and are not part of the historical object.

Dimensions
Height: 18.26 mm ±
Width: 13.82 mm ±
Weight: 0.40 g ±
Note: The modern gold chain was added for presentation purposes only and is not included in the sale.

Description

Combining the distinguished portrait tradition of the Roman Imperial Period with the elegance of ancient goldsmithing, this rare gold medallion pendant is an exceptional collector’s piece, distinguished by its remarkable relief craftsmanship and excellent state of preservation.

At the centre of the medallion is a male bust displaying characteristic features of Roman imperial iconography, with stylistic associations to the portrait tradition of Julius Caesar. The finely executed beaded border surrounding the portrait enhances the artistic refinement of the goldwork. The suspension loop at the top reflects its design as a personal ornament.

In the Roman world, imago principis (image of the ruler) was a powerful symbol not only of political authority but also of auctoritas (authority), dignitas (dignity and prestige), and maiestas (majesty). The incorporation of this symbolism into gold jewellery represents a distinguished artistic expression of status and imperial identity.

Comparable Roman gold portrait medallions are represented in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Accession Nos. 10.130.1525 and 10.130.1524), and the British Museum, London (Registration No. 1853,0512.218). These important museum parallels demonstrate the historical and artistic significance of the Roman tradition of gold portrait jewellery.

Weighing only 0.40 grams, this elegant medallion, with its distinctive portrait relief, decorative border, and remarkably well-preserved appearance, is an outstanding collector’s piece for enthusiasts of Roman imperial art, ancient gold jewellery, and historical portrait iconography.

Note: The modern gold chain has been added for presentation purposes only and is not included in the sale. The sale includes the medallion pendant only.

Information

The offered object was acquired in 2026 through an auction associated with A.N. Auction House in Germany and was transferred to us in 2026 by its previous owner, N.A., based in the Netherlands.

The object has been documented using high-resolution equipment; no intervention has been made to its form or structural integrity, and only limited color-balance adjustment has been applied.

Upon request, museum-standard technical photographs may be provided during the auction; if requested prior to shipment, an expert report and a signed ownership document issued in the buyer’s name can be supplied in PDF format within 3–5 business days.

Statements regarding dating, function, symbolic interpretation, and material identification represent high-probability academic assessments based on typological comparisons, parallels in museum collections, and expert opinion; definitive conclusions require advanced laboratory analysis and fall outside the scope of the platform’s sales process.

Prospective buyers are advised to evaluate the images in conjunction with the stated measurements, as high-resolution photography may influence perceived scale. Throughout the presentation and sales process, principles of scholarly consistency, transparency, and good faith are observed, and no object is knowingly offered as a copy or imitation.


Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as an analysis of metals(XRF-test) have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.