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......ΔΛ
[Νι]κολάο σκέποιτ[ε τ]ο ... δούλ(ῳ)
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......ΔΛ
[Νι]κολάο σκέποιτ[ε τ]ο ... δούλ(ῳ)
Reverse
Bust of St Peter holding a long cross on left shoulder. Inscription : |ΠΕΤ/ : 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 |
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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.