Byzantine Empire Jesus Christ Gold Coin Pendant

Coin: Gold Solidus
Obverse: Portrait of Jesus Christ
Reverse:  Crowned busts of Romanus and Christopher facing, holding patriarchal cross between them, and wearing loros and chlamys respectively.
Date: 924-931 A.D.
Bezel: Sterling Silver
Weight:  6.52 grams
Diameter: 2.1 cm / .91 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

By the 10th century, the Byzantine solidus—known in Greek as the nomisma—remained the empire’s premier gold coin, maintaining remarkable consistency in weight and purity since its introduction by Constantine the Great in the early 4th century. Weighing roughly 4.5 grams of nearly pure gold, the solidus was a pillar of international commerce and prestige, accepted across Europe, the Islamic world, and beyond. Under emperors such as Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos, Romanos I Lekapenos, and Basil II, the solidus continued to serve not only as currency but also as a medium of imperial propaganda, reinforcing the divine legitimacy and continuity of the Byzantine state.

The obverse of 10th-century solidi typically depicted Christ, often shown frontal and haloed, seated on a throne or standing in blessing, reinforcing the Christian foundation of imperial rule. This iconography, increasingly common from the 9th century onward, marked a theological shift in Byzantine visual culture, placing Christ at the symbolic center of governance. The reverse featured the reigning emperor—sometimes alone, sometimes alongside a co-emperor or a crowned family member—often shown holding the globus cruciger and wearing richly detailed regalia. These coins were struck with care, preserving their clarity and prestige, and they functioned not only as reliable instruments of high-value transactions but also as potent visual affirmations of the emperor’s sacred role within the Byzantine world order.

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.