Cast Iron, 35.5mm diameter.  A late 19th century copy of the Campo De' Fiori Jesus medallion. Left facing portrait of Christ between Hebrew characters Alef (for Adoneinu - Our lord) and Yeshu (Jesus) on either side.   Rv. Five lines of Hebrew script. A few rust spots, otherwise Good Very Fine.  

Ex David Rogers collection.

Accompanied by a printed card covered in celluloid and sellotape reading: "First-century medallion, excavated in the Catacombs, Rome." 

The original "Medaille du Campo de' Fiori" was alledgedly discovered in March 1897 in the Campo de' Fiori flea market in Rome by Mr Boye D’Agen. At the time the portrait was believed to be identical to that of the Turin Shroud, now dated to the 16th century by modern technology. The copies were made by Falize Freres, a Parisian firm of Jewellers and Goldsmiths in a variety of sizes and metals. (Forrer vol. 2, page 68)

The reverse legend translates as “The Messiah reigns, He came in Peace to become the light of Man. He lives".

This medal was said to have been given to Jewish converts to Christianity in the 16th to 18th centuries.

As seen on e-bay offered at £750