The Byzantine 24K Gold Solidus: Angel with VICTORIA, Heirloom 18K Gold 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 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 celebrated the faith and triumph of the Christian Empire. Among its most prized early gold coins is the solidus, featuring winged Victory holding a staph with a staurogram (an early Christian symbol) and globus cruciger—symbols of imperial victory under Christ. Pure gold, shining and finely struck, this gleaming coin is a testament to the coin maker’s art... and faith.s origins to the height of its glory, Byzantine coinage bearing the Cross of Christ, celebrated the faith of the Christian empire. 

Your Byzantine Gold Solidus:

• Denomination: Solidus
• Emperor:  Maurice Tiberius
• Ruling Period: 582-602
• Coin struck: date: IY 1 meaning 697-698 
• Coin weight: 4.25 grams
• Mint: Carthage
  
• Obverse (Front):  Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Maurice Tiberius holding globus cruciger 
  
• Reverse (Back): VICTORIA AVGG "A" Carthage mint mark, Angel facing holding staff with staurogram and globus cruciger
• Coin Metal purity: 24K Gold
• Bezel Metal: 18K Gold
• Articulating Shackle Bail Interior Diameter: Will accommodate chain or leather necklace up to 6.2 mm
• Pendant size including bezel: 7/8” Across, 1 1/4” Tall - the width nickel

Robert's Notes: Beautiful, almost uncirculated coin. And it is extremely rare to acquire one with a prefect visible VICTORIA next to the angel. It is in stunning condition considering it is pure gold and is over 1,400 years old.

Rarer Carthage mint. Most Byzantine coins were struck in the capital of the empire in Constantinople. Really cool!

Coin Notes: Something very interesting. Note that the legend says VICTORI on the right of the angel. Now look to the left, and see the extra A. The "die sinker" ran out of room and brought the A over to the left side.

VICTORIA signifies that ruler is victorious in Christ. The angle holds a staurogram which is an early Christian symbol. It is made up of the Greek letters T (tau) and P (rho) superimposed on each other and placed on a staff. In the early New Testament, it was first used to abbreviate stauros, the Greek word for cross. 

Globus Cruciger signifies that Christ is the ruler of the world, and the king or emperor is the ruler of his dominion. 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. 

Additional Byzantine History: 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.

Your Byzantine Gold Solidus Pendant comes with:

1. Our 100% Authentic Lifetime Guarantee
2. A Detailed, Multi-Page Certificate of Authenticity Researched and Written by April Knecht and Robert Lewis Knecht
3. Treasure Hunters Gazette Booklet
4. Mini Museum display frame to view your treasure when you are not wearing it
5. A Treasure Jewelry Care Card