The Byzantine Bronze Tetarteron Coin: The Cross of Christ & Christogram, Now in an Heirloom Pendant

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 rayed Cross of Christ and classic Greek letters, it tells the story of the faith of a nation. 

Your Byzantine Tetarteron Coin Pendant:

• Denomination: Tetarteron
• Date: 1143 - 1180 AD
• Emperor: Manuel I Komnenos (1143 – 1180)  
• Coin Metal: Bronze
• Mint: Thessalonica, Macedonia (Modern-Day Thessaloniki, Greece)
• Bezel Metal: Proprietary, Non-Tarnishing Sterling Silver
• Obverse (Front): The Cross of Christ IC | XC
• Reverse (Back): The Crowned Bust of Manuel
• Articulating Shackle Bail Interior Diameter: Will accommodate chain or leather necklace up to 6.2 mm
• Pendant Size including the Bezel Setting: 7/8” Across, 1 1/4” Tall - the Width of a U.S. Nickel

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: "IC" are the first letters of Jesus in Greek, and "XC" the first letters of Christ. This Christogram is seen often on Byzantine art and coinage.  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. 

Your Byzantine Tetarteron Coin Necklace comes with:

1. Our 100% Authentic Lifetime Guarantee
2. A Detailed, Customized, Multi-Page, Full Color Photo Certificate of Authenticity Researched and Written by April Knecht & Robert Lewis Knecht
3. Treasure Hunters Gazette Booklet
4. Mini Museum Display for when you are not wearing your treasure
5. A Treasure Jewelry Care Card