Sale: CNG 72, Lot: 2782. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 June 2006.  Sold For $700. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

[Jewelry and Ornaments] BYZANTINE. Gilt silver cross amulet. Circa 10th-11th century AD. Length 32mm. Silver cross fleury, a trace of original gilding. Engraved Greek legend reading down and across: KE BOHQH KONCTAN (Lord, Protect Constantine). On the back two engraved letters F w (signature?). Looped for wearing. Good condition, some encrustation. Rare.

While it is intriguing to think this cross might have been in the possession of one of the courtiers of the emperors Constantine in this period (VII, VIII, IX or X), it was more likely the protective amulet of a well-to-do individual of that name.