Manuel (or Ismael) hypatos and imperial spatharios (eighth century)
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type V). In the quarters: τω|λωσ. Indeterminate border.
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ δούλῳ σου
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, a cross between fleurons above. Thin wreath border.
μηλυ
.τωβ
̣Σ̣Ι̣Λ̣Ι̣Κ̣Ω̣
Σ̣Π̣θρ
ι̣Ω
Μα(νου)ὴλ (or [Ἰσ]μαὴλ) ὑ[π]άτῳ (καὶ) βασιλικῷ σπαθαρίῳ
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type V). In the quarters: τω|λωσ. Indeterminate border.
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ δούλῳ σου
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, a cross between fleurons above. Thin wreath border.
μηλυ
.τωβ
̣Σ̣Ι̣Λ̣Ι̣Κ̣Ω̣
Σ̣Π̣θρ
ι̣Ω
Μα(νου)ὴλ (or [Ἰσ]μαὴλ) ὑ[π]άτῳ (καὶ) βασιλικῷ σπαθαρίῳ
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.2050 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 28.0 mm |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ δούλῳ σου Μανουὴλ or Ἰσμαὴλ ὑπάτῳ καὶ βασιλικῷ σπαθαρίῳ.
Mother of God, help your servant Manuel (or Ismael), hypatos and imperial spatharios.
Commentary
The owner's name is not certain. The letters in the first line could form an abbreviation of Μα(νου)ήλ; or it could be a partially preserved name such as [Ἰσ]μαήλ.