Elpidios (sixth/seventh century)
Obverse
Standing figure of St. Sophia, facing, nimbate, wearing chiton and maphorion, orans with hands uplifted in supplication. In vertical columns to left and right, inscription: Η|Α|ΓΙ|ΑΣ|Ο|ΦΙ|Α: ἡ ἅγια Σοφία. Indeterminate border.
Obverse
Standing figure of St. Sophia, facing, nimbate, wearing chiton and maphorion, orans with hands uplifted in supplication. In vertical columns to left and right, inscription: Η|Α|ΓΙ|ΑΣ|Ο|ΦΙ|Α: ἡ ἅγια Σοφία. Indeterminate border.
Reverse
Cruciform monogram. Wreath border.
δ - - ι - λ - ο - π - υ
Ἐλπιδίου
Accession number | BZS.1955.1.208 |
---|---|
Diameter | 25.0 mm |
Previous Editions | Zacos-Veglery, no. 1276a. |
Translation
Ἐλπιδίου.
(Seal of) Elpidios.
Bibliography
- Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
Zacos mentions that Laurent (Corpus V/1, no. 49) considers the image of St. Sophia as an indicator that the seal's owner served in the Church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople; it is likely that this Elpidios was some sort of Church official, though he gives no titles or offices.