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Stephen (ninth/tenth century)

 
 

Obverse

In the center, a cruciform monogram. From top to bottom, the letters Στρε. On the horizontal ends: υλα. In the quarters: Τσ|δλ. Between concentric circles of dots, a border of pearls.

σταυρέ φύλαττε τῷ σῷ δούλῳ

Reverse

Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. A cross of dots above and below. Border of dots.


σταυρ
οσραγησ
μυκ,υλα
τστεαˊ

σταυρὸς <σ>φραγὴς μυ κ(αὶ) φύλαξ τ(οῦ) Στεφά(νου)

Obverse

In the center, a cruciform monogram. From top to bottom, the letters Στρε. On the horizontal ends: υλα. In the quarters: Τσ|δλ. Between concentric circles of dots, a border of pearls.

σταυρέ φύλαττε τῷ σῷ δούλῳ

Reverse

Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. A cross of dots above and below. Border of dots.


σταυρ
οσραγησ
μυκ,υλα
τστεαˊ

σταυρὸς <σ>φραγὴς μυ κ(αὶ) φύλαξ τ(οῦ) Στεφά(νου)

Accession number BZS.1958.106.5551
Diameter 22.0 mm; field: 18.0 mm
Previous Editions

Translation

σταυρέ φύλαττε τῷ σῷ δούλῳ. σταυρὸς σφραγὴς μυ καὶ φύλαξ τοῦ Στεφάνου.

Holy Cross, protect your servant. The cross is the seal and protection for me, Stephen.

Commentary

Note the sigma in the second line of the reverse which could be the final letter of σταυρός or the first letter of σφραγίς.