Pope Sixtus V Bronze Pendant

DATED 1585 A.D.

1 1/4 in. (4.7 grams, 30 mm).

Ellipsoid bronze bifacial pendant with three radiating lugs and pierced lug above; reverse with kneeling nimbate figure (St. Jerome) in ankle-length robe, one hand extended and open book below, lion's head to his rear; obverse with profile bust in cassock and camauro (papal cap), legend above 'SIXTVS V PONS MAX A I'.

Provenance

Found Tuesday 1st April 2025 in Claydon, Suffolk, UK.

Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SF-92A7E3.

Footnotes

This item is a rare example of a Catholic papal emblem made and used during Elizabeth I's reign, when the Protestant cause was dominant. This is only the second known example to be found in England.

CONDITION

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The Second Example Recorded

LOT 0345