Anonymous, 6th-7th centuries. Amulet (Bronze, 31 mm, 7.80 g), Kosmas and Damianos amulet. AΓIЄ KOCMA [KAI] ΔAMIANЄ BOHΘI - TOV - ΦOP/OV/NTI ('Saints Kosmas and Damianos, help the wearer') Large cross surmounted by Lamb of God (?); to left and right, two doves holding branches and crescent and palm frond; below, star. Rev. Two figures standing facing one another. A beautiful, well engraved and interesting early Christian artifact. Good very fine.


According to hagiographic legend, the brothers Kosmas and Damianos were two Arabian physicians who were martyred in Syria under the emperor Diocletian (but rather confusingly, two other pairs of brothers bearing the same names, but of different origins, were also venerated in the Church). They earned the epithet 'anargyroi' - silverless - because they did not seek payment for their services (according to the command of Jesus in Matthew 10:8). Evidently, their names are invoked to 'help' the wearer of this pendant with his medical needs.