Anonymous (ninth/tenth century)
Obverse
Bust of St. Stephen, holding a censer in his right hand, a book in his left. A cross on either side. Inscriptions on either side: Ο̣Α̣|ΓΙ̣|Ο|Σ ΣΤ|ΕΦ|Ν|ΟΣ̣ : ὁ ἅγιος Στέφανος. Thin wreath border.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, ending with a cross. Cross and decoration above. Thin wreath border.
Ο̣ΕΛΕ̣ΟΝ
ΠΤΟΧ̣̣
Δ̣Α̣ΝΙΖΗ̣Θ̣
Ε̣
ὁ ἐλεον πτοχὼν δανίζη Θεῷ
Obverse
Bust of St. Stephen, holding a censer in his right hand, a book in his left. A cross on either side. Inscriptions on either side: Ο̣Α̣|ΓΙ̣|Ο|Σ ΣΤ|ΕΦ|Ν|ΟΣ̣ : ὁ ἅγιος Στέφανος. Thin wreath border.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, ending with a cross. Cross and decoration above. Thin wreath border.
Ο̣ΕΛΕ̣ΟΝ
ΠΤΟΧ̣̣
Δ̣Α̣ΝΙΖΗ̣Θ̣
Ε̣
ὁ ἐλεον πτοχὼν δανίζη Θεῷ
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.1395 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.0 mm |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
ὁ ἐλεον πτοχὼν δανίζη Θεῷ.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord.
Commentary
Laurent dates this seal to the tenth century. Oikonomides suggests this seal and its parallels may originate from a sanctuary of St. Stephanos, perhaps at Diakaria. The inscription on the reverse paraphrases Proverbs 19:17: "δανείζει Θεῷ ὁ ἐλεῶν πτωχόν."