Marianos patrikios and eparchos (tenth century)
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type X); in the quarters an eight-rayed star and the legend: ΤΣ|.Λ : τῷ σῷ [δ]ούλῳ. Pellets flank the upper and lower letters of the monogram. Border of dots.
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ [δ]ούλῳ
Reverse
Inscription of four lines preceded by decoration. Border of dots.
ΜΙΧ
ΗΛΠΤΡ
.ΚΙΚΙ
.ΠΡΧ.
Μιχαὴλ πατρ[ι]κίῳ καὶ [ἐ]πάρχ[ῳ].
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type X); in the quarters an eight-rayed star and the legend: ΤΣ|.Λ : τῷ σῷ [δ]ούλῳ. Pellets flank the upper and lower letters of the monogram. Border of dots.
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ [δ]ούλῳ
Reverse
Inscription of four lines preceded by decoration. Border of dots.
ΜΙΧ
ΗΛΠΤΡ
.ΚΙΚΙ
.ΠΡΧ.
Μιχαὴλ πατρ[ι]κίῳ καὶ [ἐ]πάρχ[ῳ].
| Accession number | BZS 1951.31.5.2886 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 5 no. 22.6b; Laurent, Corpus 2: no. 1107. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Μιχαὴλ πατρικίῳ καὶ ἐπάρχῳ.
Mother of God, help your servant Michael patrikios and eparchos.
Commentary
It is possible that there is a fifth line on the reverse reading ΚΠ, but on balance we doubt it. However, it is very similar to BZS.1947.2.543, and probably belonged to the same individual. That specimen identified Michael specifically as eparchos of Constantinople.