Constantine VII and Zoe (914–19)
Previous Editions
DO Seals 6 no. 56.2; a similar specimen is Zacos–Veglery, no. 62c.
Obverse
Half-length representation of Christ, lightly bearded, wearing a tunic and himation. He raises his right hand in blessing and holds a book in his left hand. He has a cross behind his head. No traces of inscription or border.
Reverse
Two half-length figures, only the right visible: at left, Constantine VII (missing); and at right, Zoe, wearing a crown with a large jewel in front, long pendilia, and a tripartite decoration on top. She wears a chlamys pinned together with a fibula on her right shoulder. She and Constantine hold a long patriarchal cross in their right hands between them. Remains of an inscription. Border of dots.
[Constant(inos) (καὶ) Z]ωη basil(is) R(omeon).
Commentary:
The design of the seal closely resembles Grierson’s class 1 follis (DOC 3.2:22.2 [pl. 38]), with a difference in the spelling of Zoe’s name (ZOH on the coin).
Bibliography
- Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Volume 6: Emperors, Patriarchs of Constantinople, Addenda
- Byzantine Lead Seals, vol. 1
- Catalogue of the Byzantine Coins in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection and in the Whittemore Collection, vol. 3, Leo III to Nicephorus III (717–1081)
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