Argyros (tenth/eleventh century)
Obverse
A patriarchal cross mounted on a base of one step. Large pellets adorn the ends of both transverse bars; stars on either side. Within concentric borders of dots, a circular inscription beginning with a cross at twelve o'clock:
σταρσοτιριαταργυρου
σταβρ(ὸς) σοτιρία τοῦ Ἀργυροῦ
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a decoration above and below. Border of dots.
σρα
γι..δΨ
υχικ,σ
τηρια
σφραγὶ[ς ἥ]δ(ε) ψυχικ(ῆς) σωτηρία(ς)
Obverse
A patriarchal cross mounted on a base of one step. Large pellets adorn the ends of both transverse bars; stars on either side. Within concentric borders of dots, a circular inscription beginning with a cross at twelve o'clock:
σταρσοτιριαταργυρου
σταβρ(ὸς) σοτιρία τοῦ Ἀργυροῦ
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a decoration above and below. Border of dots.
σρα
γι..δΨ
υχικ,σ
τηρια
σφραγὶ[ς ἥ]δ(ε) ψυχικ(ῆς) σωτηρία(ς)
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.3000 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.0 mm; field: 19.0 mm |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
σταβρὸς σοτιρία τοῦ Ἀργυροῦ. σφραγὶς ἥδε ψυχικῆς σωτηρίας.
The Cross is Argyros' salvation. This seal is the sign of spiritual salvation.
Commentary
This is not a seal but a copper token, afterwards punctured in the middle to allow for suspension. Note the horizontal rather than vertical axis on which it rotates.