Morten Axboe presents a detailed analysis of the gold bracteates from the period of the migration of the peoples - a long-established research topic in early medieval studies. He first reports on the present state of research into these decorative pendants with their amuletic function and indicates outstanding problems.

The stylistic development of the bracteates is illustrated using computer imaging of the pictorial details of their human heads, which are divided into 4 typological groups. Axboe examines the relationship of the bracteates to the medallion imitations from the imperial age and follows the precursors of both types to Roman coinage.The bracteates are located chronologicallythrough comparisons with animal ornamentation from the time of the migration of the peoples, through finds of dated coinage and through the discovery of bracteates in Continental and English burial sites. The author concludes by discussing possible origins of the large gold hoards of the 6th century. There is a short listing of gold bracteates discovered between 1989 and 2003.