Byzantine Christ Portrait in Silver 18k Gold Coin Pendant the Chi-Rho with stars flanking

the Chi-Rho with stars flanking reflects Constantine’s Christian vision layered over Rome’s pagan heritage

Struck in the Greek Levant

the enduring emblem of Aegina

legitimacy

The radiate portrait presents Augustus not as a living ruler

Byzantine Christ Portrait in Silver 18k Gold Coin Pendant the Chi-Rho with stars flankingThis pendant features a large and beautifully preserved Byzantine bronze follis, struck in Constantinople during the reign of Michael IV the Paphlagonian (AD 10341041). The obverse shows Christ Antiphonetes, the Merciful Judge, his right hand raised in blessing and his left holding the book of gospels. A cross nimbus radiates behind his head, an unmistakable mark of divine authority. The reverse bears a jeweled cross flanked by the sacred inscription