Anonymous, circa 6th-7th centuries. Medallion (Bronze, 27 mm, 2.34 g). Saint on horseback riding to right, holding cruciform scepter or spear in his right hand; to right, palm frond. Rev. Incuse of obverse. An interesting repoussé medallion. Good very fine.


Without any legend, it is difficult to identify the saint. The scene resembles late Antique iconography of Christ entering Jerusalem, but there are no clear signs that this episode was intended - there are no attendants paving the road with their garments and the mount is clearly not a donkey. On the other hand, images of a Holy Rider were very popular in this period of time, usually depicting the rider in full gallop, spearing a demon with a cruciform spear. The rider on our piece seems to be holding a cruciform spear or scepter as well, and he may well be attributed to the same iconographical tradition.