Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus & Romanus I | Byzantine Silver Miliaresion Pendant (913–959 AD)
Constantinople Mint
Authentic Byzantine Silver Coin
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Coin Details
•Empire: Byzantine Empire
•Rulers: Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus & Romanus I Lecapenus
•Date: AD 913–959
•Mint: Constantinople
•Denomination: Miliaresion
•Material: Silver
•Weight: 2.64 g
•Diameter: 22 mm
•Die Axis: 12h
•Condition: Good Very Fine
•Reference: Sear 1757
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Description
This authentic Byzantine silver miliaresion was struck at Constantinople during the joint reign of Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus and Romanus I Lecapenus, a period marked by political complexity and cultural refinement within the Byzantine Empire.
Obverse:
Sacred inscription IҺSЧS XRISTЧS ҺICA (“Jesus Christ Conquers”), surrounding a cross crosslet set upon three steps, with a saltire cross at the center and a pellet below. The design emphasizes the supremacy of Christ as the ultimate ruler and protector of the Empire.
Reverse:
Five-line imperial legend:
+ COҺST’ T’ / ΠORFVROG’ / CЄ ROMAҺO / ЄҺ X’ω ЄVSЄЬ’ / Ь’ RωMЄOҺ,
naming both Constantine VII and Romanus I, affirming their shared authority and legitimacy.
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Historical Significance
Constantine VII, known as Porphyrogenitus (“born in the purple”), was one of Byzantium’s most scholarly emperors and the author of important works on governance, diplomacy, and court ceremony.
Romanus I Lecapenus, a skilled naval commander, ruled alongside Constantine for decades, stabilizing the empire during a time of internal and external challenges.
The miliaresion is notable for replacing imperial portraits with Christian symbolism, reflecting the Byzantine belief that Christ was the true sovereign, while emperors ruled by divine mandate.
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Mounting & Presentation
This authentic Byzantine silver miliaresion is set as a pendant in a 925 sterling silver frame, plated with 14k gold.
The setting is designed to protect the integrity of the ancient coin while enhancing its visual presence, transforming a museum-grade artifact into an elegant and wearable piece of history.
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Included with Your Purchase
✔️ Authentic Byzantine silver miliaresion of Constantine VII & Romanus I
✔️ 925 sterling silver pendant frame, 14k gold plated
✔️ Certificate of Authenticity & Provenance, issued by Numisnation
✔️ Genuine leather cord necklace (random color)
✔️ Handcrafted envelope made from traditional Amalfi paper, produced using real cotton fibers, following medieval techniques
✔️ Certificate envelope closed and sealed with wax, bearing the official Numisnation logo
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Why This Piece Matters
•Elegant example of Middle Byzantine silver coinage
•Powerful Christian symbolism central to Byzantine ideology
•Issued under two historically significant emperors
•Genuine ancient artifact transformed into timeless jewelry
•Each piece is unique and historically irreplaceable
This pendant is more than jewelry—it is a wearable testament to Byzantine faith, imperial authority, and centuries of history.