Michael III (856–867)
Obverse
Faint outline of a half-length representation of Christ. Gestures indistinct. Circular inscription. No visible border.
ISSXRISOSICA
Iηsus Xristos nica
Reverse
Half-length representation of Michael III, bearded, and wearing a crown and a chlamys pinned with a fibula on the right shoulder. Circular inscription. No visible border.
ixahlASILEO
Miχaηl basileu(s) Bom(aion)
Obverse
Faint outline of a half-length representation of Christ. Gestures indistinct. Circular inscription. No visible border.
ISSXRISOSICA
Iηsus Xristos nica
Reverse
Half-length representation of Michael III, bearded, and wearing a crown and a chlamys pinned with a fibula on the right shoulder. Circular inscription. No visible border.
ixahlASILEO
Miχaηl basileu(s) Bom(aion)
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.1645 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 28.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 6, no. 49.1. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Iηsus Xristos nica. Miχaηl basileus Romaion.
Jesus Christ triumphs. Michael, basileus of the Romans.
Bibliography
- Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Vol. 6, Emperors, Patriarchs of Constantinople, Addenda (Open in Zotero)
- Catalogue of the Byzantine Coins in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection and in the Whittemore Collection, Vol. 3, Leo III to Nicephorus III (717–1081) (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
After Theodora’s fall from power in 856 Michael appears alone, wearing a loros, on the reverse of his gold coinage (DOC 3.1:3.1 [pl. 28]). On this specimen, however, Michael is shown wearing a chlamys.
At the beginning of the last word of the circular inscription on the reverse, the engraver mistakenly carved the letter b in place of the letter R. Christ is not depicted with a nimbus cruciger, but instead with a cross behind his head, both of which are enclosed by the nimbus.
This specimen is a token.