Micheal IV Bronze Coin Necklace Circa 1034

$525.00

Quantity

Beautifully crafted sterling silver necklace with an authentic ancient coin by California jeweler Erez Epshtein. 16" sterling silver chain with 2" extender.

Description: Three quarter standing figure of Christ Antiphonetes, right hand raised in benediction, book of gospels in left. Reverse.Jewelled cross, IC - XC / NI -KA in limbs. Ref:Sear 1825. Better than very fine, obverse faint trace of an undertype. Anonymous Class C folles are attributed to the reign of Michael IV The Paphlagonian AD 1034-1041. The obverse depicting Christ Antiphonetes is modeled after a known icon that was the favorite of the Empress Zoe, the widow of Michael IV

History: Michael IV and Empress Zoe started an affair, and it is believed that they planned to kill Zoe's husband, Emperor Romanos III Argyros. Michael and Zoe were married the same day and Michael was crowned emperor the day after in 1034. During his reign, Michael IV suffered from poor health and distrust towards Zoe to avoid the fate of his predecessor. Highlights of his reign were when he led the imperial army against Bulgarian rebels. He returned from this victory but died a few months later.