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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. Dating to the early Roman Christian Byzantine Empire, it is a rare variant of this issue coin whereby a long elegant cross is shown to one side and a circle and victory wreath encircle the E. This beautiful coin is set in a cast solid filigree high polished 14K yellow gold pendant which perfectly compliments the fine rich two-tone ancient earthen patina of the coin. The intact design of the epsilon is well preserved and the cross on the side is one of the most crisp and well-defined examples we have seen. This ancent Byzantine 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 the presence of the cross of Christ. 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. Overall diameter of entire setting is approximately .75 inch not including the bail at the top. CPB027 $595 COMES WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY / HISTORY SHEET *** shown with optional CHAIN B, not included |
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