Byzantine Empire Christian Cross Coin Pendant

Coin: Gold Solidus
Obverse: Portrait of Jesus Christ
Reverse:  Justinian II, depicted smaller than Jesus as to be shown as a servant of Christ
Date: 685-695 A.D.
Bezel: Sterling Silver
Weight:  3.64 grams
Diameter: 1.9 cm / .75 in

Description

This item is an authentic Byzantine Empire coin, placed in a handmade bezel of Sterling Silver. There is only 1 of this item; you will receive the exact pendant shown in the photos.  

Chain necklaces can be purchased separately through this link.

History of the Artifact

The Byzantine gold solidus, also known as the nomisma, held great importance during the reign of Justinian II (reigned 685–695 and 705–711). This coin, minted in pure gold, was a continuation of the tradition established by Constantine the Great, with the solidus acting as the empire’s principal currency for over seven centuries.

Justinian II made a notable innovation to the solidus design. In a bold departure from previous conventions, he introduced the image of Christ on the obverse side of the coin. This was one of the earliest instances of Christ's depiction on coinage and emphasized Justinian II's desire to portray his authority as divinely ordained. On the reverse side, the emperor's image appeared, with the title Servus Christi (servant of Christ), reinforcing his self-styled role as a Christian ruler leading by divine mandate.

This decision was significant not only for its theological implications but also for its political message. By placing the image of Christ on the coin, Justinian II was making a statement about the inseparability of the church and the state under his rule. However, this change was controversial among Byzantine elites and later among the Islamic powers, who found the depiction of Christ on coinage objectionable.

The solidus under Justinian II thus marks a unique moment in Byzantine numismatic history. Its religious iconography, combined with its enduring role as a high-value currency in international trade, demonstrates the solidus's function as both a tool of economic power and a symbol of imperial ideology.

Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

Your order will include:

• Byzantine Empire Coin Pendant shown in photos
• Certificate of Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.