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The imperial kommerkia of Kerasous (735/6)

 
 

Obverse

Half-length figures of Leo III at left, bearded, wearing a crown and a chlamys, and Constantine V at right, beardless, wearing a crown and a chlamys, each holding a long cross set on a globus. No visible epigraphy or border.

Reverse

Inscription of six lines. No visible border.

τν
βασιλικ
νκομμε
ρκινκε
ρασντ
νδ

Τῶν βασιλικῶν κομμερκίων Κερασούντων. Ι(νδικτιὼν) δˊ

Obverse

Half-length figures of Leo III at left, bearded, wearing a crown and a chlamys, and Constantine V at right, beardless, wearing a crown and a chlamys, each holding a long cross set on a globus. No visible epigraphy or border.

Reverse

Inscription of six lines. No visible border.

τν
βασιλικ
νκομμε
ρκινκε
ρασντ
νδ

Τῶν βασιλικῶν κομμερκίων Κερασούντων. Ι(νδικτιὼν) δˊ

Accession number BZS.1955.1.4397
Diameter 32.0 mm
Previous Editions

DO Seals 4, no. 34.2.

Zacos-Veglery, no. 250. Another specimen of what appears to be the same seal, previously misdated by Lihačev, is now republished in Lihačev, Molivdovuly, 241-42, no. 75/5.

Translation

Τῶν βασιλικῶν κομμερκίων Κερασούντων. Ινδικτιὼν δˊ.

(Seal of) the imperial kommerkia of Kerasous. Indiction 4.

Commentary

The date of the seal is secured by the representation of the emperors and by the mention of imperial kommerkia, which reappear around 730 under the reign of Leo III.

Bibliography