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Phanourios (?) George (?) . . . (seventh century)

 
 

Obverse

Cruciform monogram. Wreath border.

 - γ - ι - ν - ο - ρ - υ - 

Φανουρίου . . . (?)

Reverse

Cruciform monogram. Wreath border.

β - ε - γ - ι - ο - ρ - σ - υ - 

Γεωργίου . . . (?)

Obverse

Cruciform monogram. Wreath border.

 - γ - ι - ν - ο - ρ - υ - 

Φανουρίου . . . (?)

Reverse

Cruciform monogram. Wreath border.

β - ε - γ - ι - ο - ρ - σ - υ - 

Γεωργίου . . . (?)

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.3205
Diameter 22.0 mm; field: 16.0 mm
Credit Line Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore.

Translation

Φανουρίου (?) . . . Γεωργίου . . . (?).

(Seal of) Phanourios . . . (?) George. . . (?).

Commentary

This seal is a mystery. Neither side is resolvable; Φαναγουρίου (Phanagourios) is almost certainly incorrect, but gives a complete resolution of the obverse monogram. The reverse seems to contain the name George, but it is unclear what would resolve the remaining letters. The Γ's found below the ligature in the top arm of each cruciform make resolution near impossible; if they are worn τ's, the problem is not solved. Without the Γ, the obverse may read Φανουρίου.