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Nicholas (eleventh/twelfth century)

 
 

Obverse

Bust of St Nicholas. Inscription (with a superfluous abbreviation mark) : Ο|ΝΙ|Κ/Ο|ΛΑ|Ο : ὁ (ἅγιος) Νικόλαο(ς). Within concentric circles of dots, an inscription beginning with a cross at twelve o'clock.

..ΚΟΛΑΟ̣ΣΚΕΠΟΙΤ..Ο......ΔΛ  

[Νι]κολάο σκέποιτ[ε τ]ο ... δούλ(ῳ)

Reverse

Bust of St Peter holding a long cross on left shoulder. Inscription : |ΠΕΤ/ : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Πέτ(ρος). Within concentric circles of dots, an inscription beginning with a cross at twelve o'clock.

ΤΗΣΠΙΣΤΕ.........ΛΑΟΥΝΙΚΗ

τῆς πίστε[ως οτήριγμα] (καί) λαοῦ νίκη

Obverse

Bust of St Nicholas. Inscription (with a superfluous abbreviation mark) : Ο|ΝΙ|Κ/Ο|ΛΑ|Ο : ὁ (ἅγιος) Νικόλαο(ς). Within concentric circles of dots, an inscription beginning with a cross at twelve o'clock.

..ΚΟΛΑΟ̣ΣΚΕΠΟΙΤ..Ο......ΔΛ  

[Νι]κολάο σκέποιτ[ε τ]ο ... δούλ(ῳ)

Reverse

Bust of St Peter holding a long cross on left shoulder. Inscription : |ΠΕΤ/ : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Πέτ(ρος). Within concentric circles of dots, an inscription beginning with a cross at twelve o'clock.

ΤΗΣΠΙΣΤΕ.........ΛΑΟΥΝΙΚΗ

τῆς πίστε[ως οτήριγμα] (καί) λαοῦ νίκη

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.1163
Diameter 17.0 mm; field: 14.0 mm
Credit Line Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore.

Translation

Νικολάο σκέποιτε το ... δούλῳ, τῆς πίστεως οτήριγμα καὶ λαοῦ νίκη.

Mainstay of faith and victory of the people, protect Nicholas, your ... servant.

Commentary

This specimen presents two twelve-syllable verses, one on each side. The full inscription invokes (σκέποιτε) and addresses both saints depicted on the seal.