unusual cross

[clv]

I don't usually post pics of my finds, but I bought a new camera for my birthday so here is a cross you don't see every day, found it Sunday about 8" down in the damp sand about midway between low and high tide. They had removed about a foot of sand off the beach and piled up 12 foot high berms to protect the shops etc from the king tides.
Took a day soaking to clean it up. Weight 23.88 grams and 3" tall x 1-3/4" wide

 

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[P@tch]

That's a nice cross. Is it inlaid w/ porcelain or painted? Congratulations

 

[clv]

It's inlaid with porcelain front and back

 

[Joe hunter]

That's beautiful nice find and picture

 

[kingskid1611]

That is a beautiful piece.

 

[sutphin]

THAT IS A BEAUTIFUL FIND.

 

[Trezurehunter]

A very detailed great looking find.

 

[trapperart]

Very nice congrats

 

[celtic fox]

very nice

 

[Old Dude]

Very nice piece. Worthy of being worn I think.

 

[Subterranean]

Absolutely beautiful Catholic crucifix, congrats on a great find from way-down-under the sand. May the New Year bring many more cool items for you to post! Sub

 

[Mackaydon]

Some history:
Behind Christ's head is the reverse side of The Medal of St. Benedict:

On the arms of the cross are the initial letters of a rhythmic Latin prayer: C S S M L Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux (May the holy Cross be my light) N D S M D! Nunquam Draco Sit Mihi Dux! (The dragon never be my guide).

In the angles of the cross, the letters C S P B stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The cross of our holy father Benedict).

Above the cross is the word PAX (Peace), which has been a Benedictine motto for centuries.

Around the margin of the back of the medal, the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B are the initial letters, as mentioned before, of a Latin prayer of exorcism against Satan: Vade Retro Satana! Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana! Sunt Mala Quae Libas. Ipse Venena Bibas! (Begone, Satan! Tempt me not with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poisoned cup yourself!). The obverse side looks like this:

Merry Christmas to all.......
Don.......

 

[clv]

Thanks Mackaydon, I should have photograph the back side, but your drawing shows the the back side of the medallion in very good detail.