Lot 492: Pilgrim Token commemorating restoration of the True Cross to Jerusalem

Pilgrim Token commemorating restoration of the True Cross to Jerusalem
Attribution: Mitchiner Medieval Pilgrim & Secular badges 1070
Date: Circa 625 AD
Obverse: Clay token stamped with emblem of cross and figures of Saints Peter and Paul to each side
Reverse: Blank
Size: 16.56mm
Weight: 1.3 grams
Grade: VF
Notes: According to tradition Byzantine ruler Heraclius recaptured the "true cross" along with other relics from Sassanian King Khusro II who had taken it as part of the spoils of war when he sacked the holy city of Jerusalem. Supposedly a small piece of this "true cross" on which Jesus was crucified was burned and the ashes were mixed with the clay used to produce these pilgrimage tokens which commemorate the safe return of the cross to Jerusalem. These have become increasingly hard to find are very popular. Click here to see the page in Michael Mitchiner's book Medieval Pilgrim & Secular badges.

• Offered By: Marc Breitsprecher
• Lot #: 492
• Listing #: 177482
• Closed: Thursday, September 25, 2014 9:05:30 PM CT
• Estimate: $300