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) |
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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.
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)
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).