George Drosos (eleventh century, second half)
Obverse
Standing figure of the Mother of God orans. Sigla: ̅-ΘΥ̅ : Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines. Border of dots.
ΓΕ
ΡΓΙΝ
ΔΡΟΣΙΣΟΝ
ΑΓΝΙΤΟΝ
ΔΡΟΣΟΝ
Γεώργιων δρόσισον, ἁγνί, τὸν Δρόσον
Obverse
Standing figure of the Mother of God orans. Sigla: ̅-ΘΥ̅ : Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines. Border of dots.
ΓΕ
ΡΓΙΝ
ΔΡΟΣΙΣΟΝ
ΑΓΝΙΤΟΝ
ΔΡΟΣΟΝ
Γεώργιων δρόσισον, ἁγνί, τὸν Δρόσον
| Accession number | BZS.1955.1.3821 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Cf. Bulles métriques 40; Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 236c (citing previous editions). See also PBW: Georgios 108. |
Translation
Γεώργιων δρόσισον, ἁγνί, τὸν Δρόσον.
Holy One, bedew George Drosos.
Commentary
Note that the Greek inscription puns on the verb δροσίζω ("sprinkle") and the owner's family name Δρόσος ("dew"): "bedew George Dewey" or "sprinkle drops on Drosos" would be English approximations. The invocation asks the Theotokos to slake the thirst of a soul longing for her grace or protection.