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NGC Certified Byzantine AE Bronze Follis BUST OF CHRIST Crusades Era - Low Grade
Constantine the Great, whose earlier coinage paid tribute to a variety of pagan deities, including the sun god Sol, a favorite among many Romans, introduced the Chi-Rho symbol on select coins following his conversion. However, the cautious Constantine refrained from prominently featuring Christian symbols on his currency. The depiction of Christ first emerged on a coin during the reign of Justinian II, from 685 to 695 A.D., specifically on a gold solidus. It wasn't until the tenth century, nearly a millennium after Christ's birth, that Jesus began appearing on bronze coins. Starting with John I Tzimisces, reigning from AD 969 to 976, over a span of approximately 123 years, Roman emperors departed from the customary practice of showcasing their own portraits, instead opting for images of Christ on bronze coinage. About sixteen variants of these bronze coins were minted, all crafted to honor Christ while acknowledging the emperor's subordinate role. Nearly all of them feature a bearded bust of Christ emerging from a cross, surrounded by a halo. The reverse sides of these coins bear diverse designs and inscriptions, with the most prevalent being the four-line inscription "Jesus Christ King of Kings" (IHSUS XRISTUS BASILEU BASILE) or the two-line inscription "May Jesus Christ Conquer" (IC XC positioned on the top left and right sides of a cross, and NI-KA on the bottom left and right sides of a cross). These extraordinary coins are commonly referred to as "anonymous Byzantine folles" (with 'follis' denoting the coin denomination and 'folles' as its plural form).
Certified Authentic and Encapsulated ( Slabbed ) for Protection by NGC
Low Grade ( Below Average Circulated Example )* You Will Receive the Same Type of Coin and Condition Shown , Certificate Number Will Vary As Stock Photos Are Used *
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