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Alexander and Constantine VII (912–13)

 
 

Obverse

Half-length representation of Christ, lightly bearded, wearing a tunic and himation. He raises his right hand in blessing and holds in his left a book with a cover decorated with five pellets, two above and below and one in the center. He has a cross behind his head. Remains of a circular inscription at right. Border of dots.

........SSIC

[Iηsus Xris]tus nica.

Reverse

Two figures, only the left one visible: half-length representation of Alexander, bearded, wearing a crown surmounted by a cross and a loros. He and the missing figure hold between them a labarum. The beginnings of a circular inscription at left Border of dots.

ALEXA. . .

Alexand[dros . . .]

Obverse

Half-length representation of Christ, lightly bearded, wearing a tunic and himation. He raises his right hand in blessing and holds in his left a book with a cover decorated with five pellets, two above and below and one in the center. He has a cross behind his head. Remains of a circular inscription at right. Border of dots.

........SSIC

[Iηsus Xris]tus nica.

Reverse

Two figures, only the left one visible: half-length representation of Alexander, bearded, wearing a crown surmounted by a cross and a loros. He and the missing figure hold between them a labarum. The beginnings of a circular inscription at left Border of dots.

ALEXA. . .

Alexand[dros . . .]

Accession number BZS.1955.1.4296 (formerly DO 55.1.4296)
Diameter 30.0 mm
Previous Editions

DO Seals 6, no. 55.1; Zacos–Veglery, no. 61.

Translation

Iηsus Xristus nica.
Alexandros . . .

Jesus Christ conquers.
Alexander . . .

Commentary

Constantine is associated with his uncle on this seal, unlike any of the coins from Alexander’s short reign.

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)
  • Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)