Lot 462: Byzantine Pilgrim Token commemorating restoration of the True Cross to Jerusalem

Attribution: Mitchiner Medieval Pilgrim & Secular badges 1070
Date: 7th century AD
Obverse: Clay token stamped with emblem of cross and tiny figures of Peter and Paul to each side
Reverse: smooth
Notes: Byzantine ruler Heraclius recaptured the 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. Supposedly a small piece of this "true cross" on which Jesus was crucified was burned and the ashes mixed with the clay to produce these pilgrimage tokens commemorating the safe return of the cross to Jerusalem. These have become increasingly hard to find and are very popular. Click here to see the page in Michael Mitchiner's book Medieval Pilgrim & Secular badges.

• Offered By: Marc Breitsprecher
• Lot #: 462
• Listing #: 188216
• Closed: Thursday, March 6, 2014 7:50:30 PM CT
• Estimate: $250