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Constantine VII and Zoe (914–19)

 
 

Obverse

Half-length representation of Christ, lightly bearded, wearing a tunic and himation. He raises his right hand in blessing and holds a book in his left hand. He has a cross behind his head. No traces of inscription or border.

Reverse

Two half-length figures, only the right visible: at left, Constantine VII (missing); and at right, Zoe, wearing a crown with a large jewel in front, long pendilia, and a tripartite decoration on top. She wears a chlamys pinned together with a fibula on her right shoulder. She and Constantine hold a long patriarchal cross in their right hands between them. Remains of an inscription. Border of dots.

. . . ΩΗSILˊRˊ

[Constant(inos) (καὶ) Z]ωη basil(is) R(omeon).

Obverse

Half-length representation of Christ, lightly bearded, wearing a tunic and himation. He raises his right hand in blessing and holds a book in his left hand. He has a cross behind his head. No traces of inscription or border.

Reverse

Two half-length figures, only the right visible: at left, Constantine VII (missing); and at right, Zoe, wearing a crown with a large jewel in front, long pendilia, and a tripartite decoration on top. She wears a chlamys pinned together with a fibula on her right shoulder. She and Constantine hold a long patriarchal cross in their right hands between them. Remains of an inscription. Border of dots.

. . . ΩΗSILˊRˊ

[Constant(inos) (καὶ) Z]ωη basil(is) R(omeon).

Accession number BZS.1955.1.4297 (formerly DO 55.1.4297)
Diameter 28.0 mm
Previous Editions

DO Seals 6, no. 56.2; a similar specimen is Zacos–Veglery, no. 62c.

Translation

Constantinos καὶ Zωη basilis Romeon.

Constantine and Zoe, basileis of the Romans.

Commentary

The design of the seal closely resembles Grierson’s class 1 follis (DOC 3.2:22.2 [pl. 38]), with a difference in the spelling of Zoe’s name (ZOH on the coin).

Bibliography

  • Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Vol. 6, Emperors, Patriarchs of Constantinople, Addenda (Open in Zotero)
  • Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)
  • Catalogue of the Byzantine Coins in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection and in the Whittemore Collection, Vol. 3, Leo III to Nicephorus III (717–1081) (Open in Zotero)