An eighth century gold medallion from Norfolk

The discovery of an apparently eighth century Anglo-Saxon gold pendant near Swaffham in Norfolk is not only further evidence of the rich deposit of early items in the fields of the county but is also an indication of a significant cultural transition in the East Anglian kingdom. 

The pendant has motifs similar to coins, but no regnal or other inscriptions. The theory is that it was lost, and is not a burial item, as by the date it is assigned Christian burial practices were increasingly normative.  As a result the inclusion of grave goods largely disappeared, and so, in consequence, the information they can give about social conditions and ideas at the time of the interment.

The find is reported by the BBC News website at  Swaffham detectorist finds rare early 8th Century gold pendant