Menas (seventh century)
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type VIII); in the quarters: ΤΩΣΩ|..ΛΩ. Wreath border.
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type VIII); in the quarters: ΤΩΣΩ|..ΛΩ. Wreath border.
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ
Reverse
Cruciform monogram, reading Μηνᾷ; in the quarters: ΑΜ|ΗΝ. Wreath border.
Μηνᾷ Ἀμήν
Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.2839 |
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Diameter | 28.0 mm; field: 21.0 mm |
Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Μηνᾷ, Ἀμήν.
Theotokos, help your servant Menas, amen.
Commentary
The reverse contains a play on words: the letters of the monogram form the name Menas, but also the word Amen, which is contained within the angles of the cruciform.