"True Cross Terracotta Pilgrim Tokens. C630 AD

[Smudge53]

I have recently acquired x3 "True Cross" Terracotta Pilgrim Tokens. They are reported to have been commissioned by Emperor Heraclius to commemorate the recovery of the True Cross from the Persians in C630 AD. It has been reported that a small piece of the True Cross was cut off and burnt, and the ash mixed with the Clay. Although this could be a good selling pitch at the time??

The two figures beneath the Cross are supposed to be Constantine and his Mother Helena. Other reports state they are Peter & Paul? The backs are plain.

One is 18mm Dia. The other two are 15mm. The two smaller pieces both have an X over both arms of the Cross.

All in VGC

[Paddy]

Very interesting items! Not something I would collect, but definitely intriguing.

I suspect when they were made unscrupulous dealers were rooking credulous pilgrims. Nothing has really changed!

 

[Smudge53]

Dead right Paddy. Anything for a quick buck. 

[copper123]

It was often said if you took all the pieces of the true cross from around the med and you could build a boat out of them