Constantine imperial spatharios (ninth century)
Obverse
A cruciform invocative monogram (type V). In the quarters: ΤΣ̣|Λ̣: τῷ σῷ δούλῳ. Wreath border.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a pellet below. Wreath border.
Κ̣̣Ν̣Σ̣Τ̣
ΝΝΟΣΒ̣
ΣΗΛΟΣ
ΣΗΠΘΡ/
Κωνσταντῆνος βασηληκὸς σ{η}παθάρ(ιος)
Obverse
A cruciform invocative monogram (type V). In the quarters: ΤΣ̣|Λ̣: τῷ σῷ δούλῳ. Wreath border.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a pellet below. Wreath border.
Κ̣̣Ν̣Σ̣Τ̣
ΝΝΟΣΒ̣
ΣΗΛΟΣ
ΣΗΠΘΡ/
Κωνσταντῆνος βασηληκὸς σ{η}παθάρ(ιος)
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.680 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 29.0 mm; field: 28.0 mm |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ. Κωνσταντῆνος βασηληκὸς σπαθάριος.
Mother of God, help your servant. Constantine, imperial spatharios.
Commentary
Note the use of ligatures by the engraver, including the unusual (and mistaken) pairing of an eta with pi in the final line.