Byzantine Empire Coin | Jesus Follis

These gorgeous Byzantine bronze coins are some of the few coins ever minted featuring the portrait of Christ. Genuine pieces of history, they tell the story of a millenary Empire entangled in a heroic struggle for survival against centuries of attempted invasions by the Ottoman empire culminating in the fall of Constantinople in the year 1453. 

When the Roman Empire split in 395 AD, the Eastern Roman Empire  (Byzantine Empire) had to begin minting its own coins separately from Rome. In the early 5th century, it began minting the same Follis the Roman Empire once minted with a new design featuring symbols relevant to the new Byzantine Emperors. The early designs still featured various pagan gods, including the sun god ‘Sol’ among others. With Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity, the designs began to feature Christian imagery such as the ‘Chi-Ro’ (☧)  - one of the earliest known Christian symbols. 

By the tenth century, the Byzantine Emperors abandoned the usual practice of putting their own portrait on coins making way instead for a portrait of Christ. The portrait of Jesus began to appear on all Bronze Coins. For roughly three centuries, these bronze coins were struck, all designed to honor Christ and all acknowledging the subservient role of the emperor.

These coins feature a bearded bust of Christ that emerges from a cross-surrounded by a halo. The reverse features the four-line legend "Jesus Christ King of Kings" (IHSUS XRISTUS BASILEU BASILE).

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 Byzantine Empire coin will look very similar to the one shown in the photos. There will always be some variety, given our items are unique historical pieces. The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact.If for whatever reason you get anything that does not fit this description you are entitled to your money back! 

These coins can be found throughout the Middle East and Europe, from both recovered hoards and the possession of private collectors who have collected and preserved these coins throughout history. Unlike many artifacts that deteriorate over time, coins are typically made of metals such as gold, silver, and bronze, which are highly resistant to decay. This durability has allowed medieval coins to survive for centuries, even when buried in the ground or exposed to varying environmental conditions. Additionally, the widespread use of coins during the medieval period, combined with the sheer number minted, has ensured that many examples remain in circulation or are discovered regularly.