Maria sebaste (eleventh century)
Obverse
Inscription of three lines beginning with a cross. Decorations above and below. Border of dots.
ΤΡΟ
ΦΗ̣..ΝΗ
ΤΝ
τροφὴ [πε]νήτων
Reverse
Inscription of four lines. A decoration above. Border of dots.
ΤΗΣΣΕ
ΡΑ..ΗΣ
ΜΑΡΙ
ΑΣ
τῆς σεβα[στ]ῆς Μαρίας
Obverse
Inscription of three lines beginning with a cross. Decorations above and below. Border of dots.
ΤΡΟ
ΦΗ̣..ΝΗ
ΤΝ
τροφὴ [πε]νήτων
Reverse
Inscription of four lines. A decoration above. Border of dots.
ΤΗΣΣΕ
ΡΑ..ΗΣ
ΜΑΡΙ
ΑΣ
τῆς σεβα[στ]ῆς Μαρίας
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.2966 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.0 mm |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
τροφὴ πενήτων τῆς σεβα[στ]ῆς Μαρίας.
The nourishment of the poor, from the sebaste Maria.
Commentary
An interesting example of a token used for the nourishment of the poor sponsored by the owner. The inscription is metrical.