|
|
BYZANTINE ROMAN JUSTIN II FOLLES 'M' COIN PENDANT IN 14KY GOLD 565 - 578 A.D. Struck under the rule of Justin II, this incredibly beautiful large 'M' folles coin features a most impressive dark multi-hued patina that really accentuates the fine detail of this artifact from the Roman Byzantine Empire. The rich shades of dark brown and orange contrast wonderfully with the bright high polish of the 14K yellow gold setting. This is a very large authentic ancient bronze coin at 28 mm, about the size of a U.S. half dollar! The Byzantine folles coin shown above features a superbly struck reverse design with the classic 'M' which stood for the Greek number 40, the monetary units that the folles was worth. One folles was equal to 40 nummi in the Byzantine monetary system. Another interesting way of personalizing the significance of this coin would be to wear it if you just turned 40 years of age or if one of your initials was the letter M. The other letters shown indicate which mint it was struck under and the year of reign of the emperor. Justin II was the nephew of the famous ruler Justinian. Justin was selected to take over the throne prior to his uncle's death. His grasp of effective rule was no match for the great accomplishments of his uncle Justinian. Justinian was originally known as Peter, the nephew of Justin I, and was born in Illyria in 483 A.D.. He was renamed Justinian and became a trusted advisor upon his uncle's accession, Justin I, as well as heir to the throne. Justinian embarked upon his momentous reign in 527 A.D. and ruled the Byzantine Empire for almost four decades. During this time, North Africa was recovered from the Vandals, Italy liberated from the Goths and a footing gained in Spain. The Mediterranean was once again (and for the last time in history) ruled by the Romans. At home, the emperor was equally successful and the most famous of his architectural achievements was the construction of the great church of St. Sophia, the number one church at the center of the Byzantine Empire! This remarkable building, which is still one of the most prominent landmarks of modern Istanbul, exercised a powerful influence on all later Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture. During the reign of Justinian, his codification of Roman law was the best in the legal system which had evolved over so many centuries. Unfortunately, this tremendous activity had greatly taxed the Empire and soon after Justinian's death, it became clear that the Byzantines were not able to bear the burden of the great emperor's achievements. Much of his conquests were quickly undone. In the dark days that followed, the reign of Justinian was looked back upon as a Golden Age! A sizable and very highly recommended piece. Overall diameter is 28 mm. CPB025 SOLD COMES WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY / HISTORY SHEET *** shown with optional CHAIN B, not included |
|
Add a gold chain to make this piece ready to wear! click here to see the gold chains |
|
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE BYZANTINE ROMAN COIN JEWELRY FOR SALE |
