Byzantine Christian Cross Coin Pendant

Coin: Silver Miliaresion
Obverse: Cross Set on three steps
Date: c. 10th Century A.D.
Bezel: 14k Gold
Weight:  4.22 g
Diameter: 22 mm / .86 inches

Description

This item is an authentic Byzantine Empire coin, placed in a handmade bezel of 14 karat 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 was a Byzantine coin introduced in the early 10th century and struck for several centuries as part of the empire’s refined and deeply symbolic monetary system. It was a thin, broad silver piece—roughly equivalent to a Western denier or Islamic dirham—and often served both as currency and as a statement of imperial faith. One of the most striking and enduring designs of the miliaresion features a cross on steps on its obverse, replacing the traditional portrait of the emperor. This design marked a profound shift in Byzantine iconography, emphasizing Christian symbolism over imperial likeness, especially during and after the period of Iconoclasm when the depiction of holy figures was contested.

The cross design typically shows a tall cross mounted on a series of steps, sometimes accompanied by inscriptions such as “IhSUS XRISTUS NIKA” (“Jesus Christ conquers”) or imperial titles naming the reigning emperor. Coins of this type were issued by rulers including Leo III, Constantine V, Theophilus, and later emperors like Basil I and Romanus I Lecapenus. They were minted primarily in Constantinople and circulated widely throughout the empire and neighboring regions, often serving as a model for later medieval coinage in Europe. The miliaresion’s elegant, reflective surface and austere cross design symbolized both the empire’s devotion to Christianity and its claim to divine legitimacy—an enduring message of faith struck in silver.

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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.

You will receive the exact pendant shown in the photos.

Silver miliaresia bearing the cross-on-steps design were struck in Constantinople during the height of the Byzantine Empire, particularly between the eighth and tenth centuries. These coins circulated throughout the empire’s vast territories—from the eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans to parts of the Near East—serving both as high-value currency and as a declaration of the empire’s Christian faith. Many of the surviving examples have been recovered from hoards buried in the Byzantine heartlands, often hidden during invasions or political turmoil and only rediscovered centuries later. Their thin silver fabric and broad, reflective surfaces were distinctive of Byzantine minting during this era, combining both artistry and symbolism.

Because silver remains stable underground and does not decay easily, many miliaresia have come down to us in excellent condition, with the cross and inscriptions still sharply visible. Today, these coins are carefully documented and authenticated, most often found through archaeological work or long-recorded hoard discoveries. Modern collectors and historians acquire them through reputable dealers, major numismatic auctions, or museum deaccessions, ensuring their traceable and legitimate provenance. Each piece represents not only Byzantine craftsmanship but also the enduring link between imperial authority and Christian devotion that shaped the empire’s identity.