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