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BYZANTINE CHRIST FOLLES COIN PENDANT

IN 14KY GOLD

1025 A.D.

 

This is the first anonymous folles issue coin we have ever offered that had such a fine and superbly preserved obverse featuring Christ.  Usually, this side is so worn that all that can be seen is an outline where the body and head of Christ was.  This amazing specimen displays detail rarely seen.  Even the lines in the hair and beaded detail on the holy scripture in His hands can be seen!  Minted under the brief period of joint rule of Basil II and Constantine VIII in 1025 A.D., this is a rare, larger than normal example and features a black patina contrasting wonderfully with the high polished 14K yellow gold setting.  

 

This coin is called an anonymous Folles because the ruling emperor was not depicted on the obverse but instead, Jesus Christ.  The reverse which is not shown, is also in a mint state of superb detail and features the boldly struck inscription which translates, "Jesus Christ, King of Kings".  An impressive antiquity of ancient Christianity and highly recommended.  

 

The anonymous bronze folles series was a revolutionary design in Byzantine coinage.  For countless centuries even dating back to the early Roman Empire, coins always featured an emperor and promoted the emperor's rule.  As Christianity dominated the Byzantine culture, a break from tradition was instituted in their coin folles issues to purposely promote Christ and not a man, not even the emperor himself during his own rule.  This was in keeping with Christian beliefs that man is insignificant in the light of God and no man should be worshipped but God alone.  These coins typically feature an image of Christ looking straight at you on the obverse side with the reverse boldly written in Greek, "In Christ, Victory" or "Jesus Christ, King of Kings".  More rare are the coins that substitute a beautiful beaded cross in place of the writing.  

As a modern representative of one's Christian beliefs, wearing a pendant featuring one of these genuine ancient and magnificent coins of Christ is a far more unique display of one's faith compared to a modern made, mass-produced cross on a chain.

Coin dimensions are 28 mm in diameter with the setting.

CPB008     SOLD 

*if desired, add $185 for chain shown, for a 16" 4 mm 14K yellow gold Rolo chain.

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