ANCIENT CHRISTIAN ROMAN BYZANTINE PENTANUMMIUM "E" INITIAL COIN PENDANT

N 14KY GOLD

5TH - 7TH CENTURY A.D.

This rare Roman Byzantine bronze "E" coin is a fine example showing excellent detail.  It is set in a simple high polished 14K yellow gold pendant which perfectly compliments the fine rich two-tone patina.  The intact design of the epsilon is well preserved and the cross on the side is faint but also present, camouflaged by the patina.  This fine coin is called a PENTANUMMIUM for the monetary denomination it represented.  The devotion of Christian Roman Culture and Byzantine coinage to the faith is evident on this coin with a small cross off to the side of the "E".  This extremely fine piece would also serve as an interesting and memorable pendant for someone with an "E" as an initial. 

As a result of the Byzantine coinage reform carried out at the end of the fifth century AD, a whole new range of denominations was brought into being each clearly marked with it’s value as a multiple of the basic ‘nummus’.  The Christian religion that permeated the Byzantine culture influenced decisions to use Greek numerals for the new coins as Greek was the language of the New Testament.  The largest denomination, the FOLLES, bore the mark of value “M” (40 nummi), the HALF FOLLES “K” (20 nummi), the DECANUMIUM “I” (10 nummi), and the PENTANUMIUM “E” (5 nummi), introduced at a later period.  Over time, imagery used on the Byzantine coinage became increasingly religious.  A portrait of Christ first appears on coinage of Justinian II (685-695 AD).  Religious images were later banned in 815 AD during the Iconoclastic Period but restored in 843 AD under the empress Theodora.

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

Coin diameter is 14 mm with the setting.

CPB022     SOLD     COMES WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY / HISTORY SHEET

*** shown with optional CHAIN B, not included

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