22nd Feb, 2023 12:00
Cabinet of Curiosities Part I: Through Time & Space
A BYZANTINE 'TRUE CROSS' PILGRIM TOKEN
BYZANTINE 'TRUE CROSS' PILGRIM TOKEN,
7th century A.D., stamped with two figures beneath cross to obverse, 2.2cm diameter, with Certificate of Authenticity. These tokens puportedly contain pieces of the 'True Cross' as the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius, after recapturing the Cross from the Sassanians, cut a piece from the cross and burned it, incorporating the ashes into the clay of these tokens, later sending pieces of the Cross to churches throughout Europe, after which the trade in relics (either genuine or, more often, forged) flourished.
Provenance: Patrick Campbell, Ancient Magic, Antiquities Dealers Association accredited member
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Sold for £60
Estimated at £50 - £100
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