Bronze Byzantine Coin Pendant in 14K White Gold Mount

This is part of Chairish’s Fine Jewelry assortment.

This bronze coin, also known as a folis, is from the Byzantine Era. Byzantine coins are one of the most challenging and complex coins to identify. This coin has an image of an emperor on the front; on the reverse is Arabic script, demonstrating that the embraces both the eastern and western worlds. The coin most likely dates to after the Arabs took over Constantinople, sometime after 900 AD. The coin is surrounded by a hand hammered white gold mount that offsets the bronze coin beautifully. This setting is part of Kirsten’s Corner signature designs.

This incredible piece of history was brought back from a trip to Turkey a few years ago. The piece weighs 10.8 grammes; it measures 35mm in diameter. The hand hammered white gold border is 2.5mm thick. The oval bale is 8mm x 6mm and will accommodate a large chain. The coin has a wonderful patina of golden brown and blackened hues.

The Byzantine Empire is also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantium. It was the continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, when its capital city was Constantinople.