Copper-alloy, 44.53 grams, 43.56 mm. 1st-4th century AD. A dished cast plate with figural decoration: within a ropework border, a fleshy face with short, centre-parted hair, broad nose and small mouth with puckered lips. The eyes are picked out with two small gold points. Apollo was the Greek sun-god whose worship was adopted by the Roman army in the 2nd century BC; he is always shown as a beardless youth with an open countenance. Phalerae were military decorations awarded to distinguished soldiers, and were worn over armour on the leather baldrics which supported swords. Reference: Appels, A. & Laycock, S. Roman Buckles and Military Fittings, Witham, 2007, p.82ff. Extremely fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection.