The collapse of Iconoclasm during the mid 9th century AD initiated a gradual recovery of Byzantine religious art. This is demonstrated by the use of the bust, or enthroned figure of Christ on the obverse of Constantinopolitan coins. This coin was minted during the reign of Romanus III Argyros who ruled from AD 1028 to 1034, and who was succeeded by Michael IV the Paphlagonian (who reigned from AD 1034 to 1041). Both emperors’ tenures marked a period of political instability and conflict, seeing internal struggles, military setbacks (like the rising Seljuk threat), and the continuation of Byzantine cultural and religious identity, marked by distinct coinage featuring Christ.
Byzantine Bronze ‘Head of Christ’ Follis Silver Pendant
£ 295.00
A Byzantine bronze ‘Head of Christ’ follis, minted during the reign of Romanus III or Michael IV. The coin’s obverse depicts the bust of Christ holding the book of gospels. A nimbate cross is set behind his head, displaying a decorative motif to each limb. Part of the original inscription reading +EMMANOVHA is still visible around the top edge of the coin. The letters IC and XC are set in the field at either side of the bust to indicate the mint. The reverse displays a cross on three steps with pellet at each extremity, and the legend reads IS-XS BAS-ILE BAS-ILE to left and right above and below the arms of the cross. Written in the Roman alphabet, the Greek inscription translates as ‘Jesus Christ, King of Kings’. The coin is encased in a modern 925 sterling silver frame, with a loop at the top for suspension.
Measurements supplied are for the entire pendant, from the top of the hoop to the base. The coin itself measures c. 2.9cm length x 2.5cm width.
| Weight | 12.65 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 4 x W 2.5 cm |
| Christian Ideology | Christ |
| Metal | Bronze, Silver |
| Region | Near East (Western Asiatic) |
