Antique Catholic medal Orthodox icon Most Blessed Virgin Mary c. 12-13th century

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Antique Catholic medal Orthodox icon Most Blessed Virgin Mary c. 12-13th century:
$89.00

Ancient, rare Eastern Catholic or Eastern Orthodox holy medal, or miniature icon worn as a necklace. Cast from bronze or similar, brass-like copper alloy circa late 12th - early 13th century (according to similar examples from the available literature). Authentic artifact from Europe, has original dark green patina from the past centuries.
Antique condition, worn out as a result of devotional use, but structurally 100% sound.
The obverse of the medal bears an image of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary depicted standing in the prayer position with extended arms, also known as the \"Virgin Orans\" or \"Oranta\" (Eastern Orthodox Church). The icon\'s design is strongly influenced by Byzantine icon art.
On the left and right side of the icon, above Blessed Virgin Mary\'s arms, there is a four-letter Greek abbreviation meaning \"Mother of God\".
Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item\'s description. The US quarter coin, measuring meter, and decorative stone are not for sale, and are photographed with the item in order to provide a size reference.Please ask all questions before making a purchase.There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original artifacts that are quite old. All items are sold \"as is\" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US. International buyers, please ask me for a shipping quote prior to buying.Please note that customs regulations differ from country to country, and it is a buyer\'s responsibility to ensure that any customs fees or other duties collected by the buyer\'s country are paid and satisfied in full.