Bronze Coins Set in Silver Earrings

Two worn coins, each with a cross, each bent slightly out of round by seven centuries of use.

These bronze coins set in silver earrings come from Armenia, around 1300, in bronze and sterling silver. Copper coinage from medieval Armenia often bore crosses and simple heraldic designs, and many of them circulated widely in daily trade. Each coin here is irregular in shape, struck with a cross design and an outer ring of lettering, its surface a warm coppery brown. The coins are held in sterling frames with four prongs and hang from lever-back hooks. Each earring is 1.5 inches high.

Pocket change, finally treated with some ceremony.