A contorniate, or contourniate, is a type of ancient Roman medal or medallion of bronze issued in the fourth and fifth centuries CE, having a deep furrow on the contour or edge, as if the object had been turned in a lathe.
The term "contorniate" refers to a specific type of ancient Roman medal or medallion, characterized by a distinctive deep furrow on its edges, which indicates the use of a lathe in its creation.