Leo imperial spatharios (tenth century)
Obverse
A cross mounted on a base of three steps. Along the circumference, within a border of dots, a circular inscription beginning with a cross at seven o'clock:
Κ(ύρι)ε βοήθ(ει) τῷ σο δού(λῳ)
Reverse
Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross and ending with a fleuron. Border of dots.
λε
ντοσ
σπθρ
η
Λέωντος β(ασιλικῷ) σπαθαρήῳ
Obverse
A cross mounted on a base of three steps. Along the circumference, within a border of dots, a circular inscription beginning with a cross at seven o'clock:
Κ(ύρι)ε βοήθ(ει) τῷ σο δού(λῳ)
Reverse
Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross and ending with a fleuron. Border of dots.
λε
ντοσ
σπθρ
η
Λέωντος β(ασιλικῷ) σπαθαρήῳ
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.2017 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 25.0 mm; field: 13.0 mm |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Κύριε βοήθει τῷ σο δούλῳ Λέωντος βασιλικῷ σπαθαρήῳ.
Lord, help your servant Leo, imperial spatharios.
Commentary
Note that the owner's name appears in the genitive case instead of the expected dative.