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LARGE CHRISTIAN ROMAN BYZANTINE COIN PENDANT FEATURING CHRIST HOLDING GOSPELS
IN 14KY
GOLD
1059
- 1067 A.D. This high grade Roman Byzantine bronze folles coin is of superb preservation with crisp detail and a heavy rich patina. It is a substantial coin and is set in a simple high polished 14K yellow gold pendant which perfectly compliments the fine tones to the bronze. Christ is shown with a halo and holding the Gospels with both hands. The coin is much more detailed and attractive in person than it appears in the photo. The reverse (not shown) shows the emperor Constantine X wearing a crown. This is a large and stately ancient Christian coin pendant from the Roman Empire as it continued in the East for nearly 1000 years after its fall in the West. This is one of the larger examples of this beautiful and highly sought after ancient coin. 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 coin dimensions are impressive at 30 mm in diameter with the setting, about the size if a U.S. silver dollar. CPB029 $795 COMES WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY / HISTORY SHEET *** shown with optional CHAIN E, not included |
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