Turkish Ancient Bronze Coin of Christ Pendant

The face has been rubbed by centuries of thumbs and still holds its ground.

This ancient bronze coin of Christ pendant is Byzantine, from Constantinople, present day Istanbul, Turkey, and dates to around 1082. It is bronze set in sterling silver. Byzantine bronze coins of this period commonly carried an image of Christ in place of an emperor's portrait, with Greek inscriptions around it. The coin shows a standing figure within a halo marked with a cross, one hand raised and the other holding a book, ringed by Greek letters and small stars. Its edge is irregular, and a plain silver bezel follows that shape up to a bow-shaped bail. It is 1.25 inches long and 1.75 high.

Pocket change, promoted to jewelry.