History of the Artifact

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 (Available for purchase on our store!) 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.

Almost all coins feature a bearded bust of Christ that emerges from a cross-surrounded by a halo. The reverse of these coins displays various designs and legends. The most common reverses are the four-line legend "Jesus Christ King of Kings" (IHSUS XRISTUS BASILEU BASILE) or the two-line legend "May Jesus Christ Conquer".

The Byzantine Follis you will receive will be of very similar size and quality as the ones shown in the pictures. A coin similar to the ones pictured is guaranteed or your money back! The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact.

How do I know these are original Byzantine Coins?

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.

What will my artifact look like?

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! 

Your order will include:

  • One authentic Byzantine Empire Coin
  • Elegant protective case for preservation and display of your artifact 
  • Certificate of Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy



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