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 VIDEO AND 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.
From its origins to the height of its glory, Byzantine coinage bearing the Cross of Christ, celebrated the faith of the Christian empire. And most prized among its coinage is the early era Gold Solidus featuring the Cross Potent - said to represent the Jeweled Cross of Calvary placed on Golgotha Hill by Roman Emperor Theodosius II. Pure Gold, shinning and heavy, this gleaming Solidus is a testament to the coin maker's art... and faith.
Robert's Notes:Stunning! This is coin is in almost uncirculated, excellent condition. It is very difficult to acquire a solidus like this where you can clearly read VICTORIA next to the cross. Most of the time it's only partially visible.
We create a special luxury weight 18K gold frame that gives this piece a beautiful regal look and feel. I love to use 18K gold instead of 14K as most ancient jewelry and coins where created from 22K to 24K (pure) gold. The warm glow of the 18K compliments the gold coin. It is in amazing condition for its age and high purity of gold.
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 – 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.
Coin Notes: VICTORIA signifies that ruler is victorious in Christ. Why are there two rulers on this coin? In order to assure proper succession, emperors associated their sons with them as co-emperors, and the coinage was intended to advertise the dynasty. Officina letter signifies a subdivision of the mint - used to keep control of the quality of a coin, just like mint and assayer marks on Spanish coins. The cross on steps is believed to represent the great jeweled cross erected on Golgotha Hill (Calvary) by Theodosius II (408–450).
Grierson notes, in the Dumbarton Oaks catalog, “the inscriptions [on this type] are very variable, since it was difficult to get so much on the coin.”
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.
