Please Note: This is an authentic ancient Byzantine Treasure Coin, and you will receive the exact pendant in the photographs and description.
FOR PENDANT SIZE SEE COIN DETAILS BELOW
By the early 5th Century, the once dominant Roman Empire was a fragmented collection of on-again, off-again allied or warring regions. Divided roughly between the western and eastern halves of the empire, the glory of Rome was no longer. Out of the ashes of this once great society rose the empire that would dominate European culture, economics and warfare for close to a millennium: The Eastern Roman, or Christian Byzantine Empire.
It is from this mighty Christian empire, surrounded by non-Christian kingdoms, that this small but important bronze Tetarteron comes. With its legendary double-bar Cross and classic Greek letters, it tells the story of the faith of a nation, and the hope of God’s guardianship and protection.
April’s Notes: Tetartera (the plural of Tetarteron) often have angular, interesting shapes – and this coin is no exception. The bronze glows golden-red, and the bold Cross and visible symbols are distinct and clear. These coins were used by every-day folks much like our small denomination notes are used today. With their humble plea for the guardianship and protection of God, they are truly testaments to faith in warm, gleaming bronze.
Note on the Greek Legend: On the Cross side you will note the distinctive Φ, circled in red. This symbol is more than the Greek letter “F,” it was the ancient symbol placed on coins and other art forms to symbolize the concept of guardianship… of protection. These coins are literally a plea for God to guard and protect not only the ruler, but the people of the empire. It’s amazing to see this symbol bold and bright after almost 1,000 years.
The Byzantine Empire was firmly rooted in its Greek past. Byzantines were mainly Greek-speakers throughout Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Their capital city was Constantinople, which was also known historically as Byzantium. After the 5th century collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire continued to thrive and grow in influence, and while we refer to the “Byzantine Empire” or “Eastern Roman Empire,” they referred to their country as simply the “Roman Empire.”
Byzantine money – the money used in the Eastern Roman Empire after the fall of the West (circa 470 AD) – was made up of two very different types of coins: the gold solidus and a variety of bronze coins with clearly defined values. By the end of the empire, coins were issued in silver and bronze only.
Small, and of fairly low value compared to their gold and silver counterparts, the Tetarteron you see here was a part of daily life in the Byzantine Empire... a daily reminder to every person whose hands it passed through of faith and hope. Now these tiny treasures continue to tell this story – and continue their fascinating journey.
with your treasure coin purchase. Choose your chain and enter Coupon Code: CHAIN at checkout. (Does not apply to discounted clearance chains.)
with your treasure coin purchase. Choose your chain and enter Coupon Code: CHAIN at checkout. (Does not apply to discounted clearance chains.)
Questions? Confused? Looking for a gift? We're experts at matching treasure to people. Give us a call at 503.436.1626, join us on Live Chat, or drop us an email at treasure@cannonbeachtreasure.com.
Questions? Confused? Looking for a gift? We're experts at matching treasure to people. Give us a call at 503.436.1626, join us on Live Chat, or drop us an email at treasure@cannonbeachtreasure.com.
