Due to custom regulations we can not ship outside the E.U. Please make sure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. Throughout history, coins were an ideal propaganda tool for Emperors and governments to present themselves and the message they wanted to communicate. They are an important symbol of power and are full of symbolism. Byzantine Empire, Anonymous 'Portrait of Christ' Æ follis, set in a custom-made modern silver pendant. Coin: 969-976 AD, Time of John I Tzimisces Pendant: new Obverse: Bust of Christ facing with nimbus, holding book of Gospels, Legend: +EMMANOVHA, IX-XC in field. Reverse: IhSUS XRISTUS bASILEU bASILE in four lines. Diameter coin: ± 30 mm Diameter pendant: ± 34,6 mm Weight coin: 16,49 g Reference: SB 1793 Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format). HISTORY: Byzantine bronze coins of this type are the first coins to portray Jesus Christ. They were issued in the 10th-11th century AD and have a portrait of Christ on one side and either a cross or lettering on the reverse. JOHN I TZIMISKES was a Byzantine Empiror from 969-976 AD. Although he took the throne by murdering his predecessor Nikephoros II Phokas, John was a popular emperor. A highly successful general and a competent politician, he is known for strengthening and expanding the Byzantine Empire. Tzimiskes left all his own personal wealth to the poor and the sick. He was succeeded by his nominal co-Emperor and nephew, Basil II. He left his successor a strengthened and expanded Empire.