Byzantine Empire Christian Cross Coin Pendant

Coin: Silver Miliaresion
Obverse: Christian Cross on Three Steps
Reverse:  Legend in Five Lines
Date: 820-829 A.D.
Bezel: 14k Gold
Weight:  4.56 grams
Diameter: 2.54 cm / 1.00 in

Description

This item is an authentic Byzantine Empire coin, placed in a handmade bezel of 14k Gold. 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 silver miliaresion minted under Michael II represents an important development in Byzantine coinage, especially regarding the continued use of silver in an era more dominated by gold coins. The miliaresion was a thin, broad silver coin that became emblematic of the Byzantine Empire’s middle-period silver currency. This type of coin was first introduced in the early 8th century under Emperor Leo III, but under Michael II, the coin saw further refinement and was produced to reflect his authority and religious policies.

Michael II’s miliaresion typically featured a cross on one side, a prominent symbol of Byzantine Christian identity. Around the cross, inscriptions would include titles or invocations, linking Michael's reign to both divine support and imperial legitimacy. The reverse side of the coin bore inscriptions with the emperor’s name and titles, marking him as the legitimate ruler, and sometimes mentioning his co-ruler and son, Theophilos, especially toward the later years of his reign. The inscriptions were often in Greek, characteristic of Byzantine coinage, which emphasized continuity with ancient traditions and emphasized the empire’s Christian character.

Michael II, also known as Michael the Amorian or Michael the Stammerer, was the founder of the Amorian (or Phrygian) dynasty and ruled as Byzantine emperor from 820 to 829. Rising from humble beginnings, he was a soldier from Phrygia (modern-day Turkey) and eventually became part of the military elite. Known for his charisma and strong leadership, Michael gained the loyalty of his soldiers and gradually ascended the ranks. However, his early career was marked by controversy, including his role in a conspiracy against the emperor Leo V, his former comrade. On Christmas Day in 820, after being imprisoned by Leo, Michael staged a coup, leading to Leo's assassination and securing his own claim to the throne.

Michael's reign was challenged by internal and external threats. Domestically, he faced criticism for his religious views and policies. As an iconoclast, he opposed the veneration of icons, which stirred opposition from the iconophile faction, but he aimed for a more moderate approach than his predecessors, tolerating limited icon veneration to maintain unity. Externally, Michael dealt with serious challenges, including a major rebellion by Thomas the Slav and the beginning of Muslim incursions into Byzantine territories, which foreshadowed ongoing struggles with the Abbasid Caliphate.

Authenticity

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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

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