8th century AD. A large exquisitely worked phalera of a fierce lion attacking a doe within a circle, both facing left, the details of the creature's body are finely delineated, the coats of both animals skilfully wrought to highlight the musculature, the background plain with scrolling foliage; to the reverse four small eyelets for attachment. The iconography of which is reminiscent of the motifs found in the gold treasure of Nagyszentmiklós.53.9 grams, 62mm (2 1/2"). From an old private Vienna collection; acquired 1970s-1980s; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10539-171044. Very fine condition.