Smithsonian Magazine

NEW HOARD OF ANCIENT SILVER COINS OF CHRIST DISCOVERED!

Own A 700-Year-old Silver Portrait of Jesus Christ

-

When we heard the news, our jaws hit the floor. A massive hoard of ancient silver coins, struck in Constantin­ople during the last dynasty of the Byzantine Empire, had just been discovered. And the coins depicted a portrait of Jesus Christ! We jumped to secure as many of the best coins as possible. But to get the best, we needed an expert: famous numismatis­t and best-selling author Jeff Garrett. Garrett was able to sift through the hoard and hand-pick the finest pieces featuring the clearest images of Christ for our customers. We sent these coins to respected third-party grading company Numismatic Guaranty Corporatio­n (NGC) for grading and certificat­ion. These coins represent some of the finest, brightest pieces from that historic hoard! What Began with Constantin­e Ends With Andronicus II During the reign of Constantin­e, worship of the sun god Sol Invictus was merged with the worship of Christ, as the emperor believed them to be one and the same. Constantin­e’s coins presented an image of the deity, helping to spread Christiani­ty throughout the empire. The Byzantine Empire had officially become the world’s first Christian Empire. But then came Andronicus II. Struck During the Decline of the Byzantine Empire On the reverse of these incredible coins, Christ stands alone. But the obverse displays two figures: co-emperors Andronicus II and his son Michael IX. The reign of Andronicus II (1282–1328) marked the beginning of the end for the Byzantine Empire. The Ottoman Turks advanced into Asia Minor, and though Andronicus paid mercenarie­s to repel the invaders (perhaps using these very coins?), these hired soldiers eventually turned on their employers, further sending the empire into chaos.

An Incredible Find Struck between 1304 and 1320, these silver coins of Andronicus II and Michael IX are relics of the First Christian Empire as it neared its end. To quote Jeff Garrett, “To find a modern hoard of ancient coins surviving with this quality is nothing short of incredible.” Not only are these coins 700 years old, but they were struck in lustrous silver— an unusual metal for coins of the time, which tended to be struck in gold (and thus were quickly melted as power changed hands).

Reserve Your Coin Today! Order now and you can claim your own authentic, 700-year-old silver portrait of Christ—a coin struck during the final dynasty of the Byzantine empire founded by Constantin­e certified and graded by NGC in Very Fine (VF) condition—

for less than $100!

Call now—our supplies are limited! Silver Coin of Andronicus II $99 each + s/h

 ??  ??
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States