Obverse: Roman Eagle
Reverse:  Thunderbolt
Date: c. 122-125 A.D.
Bezel: Sterling Silver
Weight:  5.70 grams
Diameter: 20 mm / .78 inches

Description

This item is an authentic Roman coin, placed in a handmade bezel of Sterling Silver. There is only 1 of this item; you will receive the exact pendant shown in the photos.  

Chain necklaces can be purchased separately through this link.

History of the Artifact

This bronze coin was struck in Rome between AD 122 and 125 during the reign of Hadrian, one of Rome's most widely traveled and intellectually minded emperors. The obverse features an eagle standing upon a thunderbolt, a powerful symbol traditionally associated with Jupiter, king of the Roman gods. Throughout Roman iconography, the eagle represented divine authority, military victory, and the emperor's connection to the supreme deity, while the thunderbolt reinforced themes of celestial power and imperial legitimacy. The inscription surrounding the portrait records Hadrian's official titles, reflecting the importance of imperial office in Roman state imagery.

The reverse displays a winged thunderbolt, another enduring emblem of Jupiter that appears far less frequently than many other Roman reverse types. Rather than commemorating a specific event, the design emphasizes divine protection and the stability of imperial rule under Hadrian, whose reign was characterized more by consolidation than conquest. Coins of this period are especially admired for their refined engraving and balanced compositions, reflecting the high artistic standards of the Rome mint during the second century AD. Today, this type is studied as an elegant example of how Roman coinage employed religious symbolism to reinforce the emperor's authority and the enduring strength of the empire.

Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

Your order will include:

• Greek bee Pendant shown in photos
• Certificate of Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.