John protonotarios (eleventh century)
Obverse
Bust of St Nicholas holding the book in his left hand and offering a blessing with his right. Traces of epigraphy at right: κ|.|λ, : [ὁ ἅ(γιος) Νι]κ[ό]λ(αος). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. Decorations above and below. Border of dots.
κε̅,θ,
.σ̣,
.νν̣.
.νοτ.
Κ(ύρι)ε β(οή)θ(ει) [τ]ῷ σῷ δ(ούλῳ) [Ἰ]ωάνν[ῃ (πρωτο)]νοτα[ρ(ίῳ)]
Obverse
Bust of St Nicholas holding the book in his left hand and offering a blessing with his right. Traces of epigraphy at right: κ|.|λ, : [ὁ ἅ(γιος) Νι]κ[ό]λ(αος). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. Decorations above and below. Border of dots.
κε̅,θ,
.σ̣,
.νν̣.
.νοτ.
Κ(ύρι)ε β(οή)θ(ει) [τ]ῷ σῷ δ(ούλῳ) [Ἰ]ωάνν[ῃ (πρωτο)]νοτα[ρ(ίῳ)]
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.2272 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.0 mm |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Κύριε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Ἰωάννῃ πρωτονοταρίῳ.
Lord, help your servant John, protonotarios.
Commentary
We read the owner's office as protonotarios since there appears to be room for the standard abbreviation for protos at the beginning of the fourth line of the reverse.