BYZANTINE BRONZE-GILT MILITARY PHALERA DEPICTING VIRGIN MARY. Ca. AD 600 - 800. A bronze-gilt phalera depicting the Virgin Mary in high relief. The figure is shown in a frontal pose, wearing a long robe with finely detailed folds. A circular nimbus frames the head, while both hands are raised, grasping a long staff. Around the central medallion, an outer border consists of repeating arched segments filled with geometric and floral motifs. Size: 75mm x 70mm; Weight: 20g Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly with R. A.; since the 1990s.