Pewter talisman or Jeton of Artemis

Pewter talisman or Jeton of Artemis, mid 16th century, Artemis stands with hound behind her, ARTEMIE, rev., Apollo kills Python with bow and arrow, to left Hermes with caduceus, 25mm (MI -). Cast with integral suspension loop, very fine and very rare.

Well made and possibly continental, the obverse shows Artemis [Diana] after the lost bronze statue attributed to Leochraes. She was the Goddess of childbirth and this piece, by someone well acquainted with the classics could well have been made as a talisman for good health at such a time.

Provenance: "Found on Thames Foreshore". Bt. eBay, 2011.