During the Hellenistic period, gold medallions of different sizes and bearing the frontal representation of a head or bust were used as pendants and dress ornaments. This medallion is formed from a circular sheet of gold and is decorated in repoussé with the frontal representation of the head of Medusa. The outer border of decorative wires includes herringbone filigree and beaded wire. The area between the head and the border is filled with a very stylized tendril scroll with ivy leaves and small circlets, both rendered in filigree. Two clamps are attached to the back.

Adapted from

Barbara Deppert-Lippitz, Ancient Gold Jewelry at the Dallas Museum of Art (Dallas: Dallas Museum of Art in association with the University of Washington Press, 1996), 66-67; 140.