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Basil II and Constantine VIII (976-1025)

 
 

Obverse

Half-length representation of Christ bearded holding the right hand in blessing. He has a cruciger nimbus; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. Sigla visible at left: (ησοῦ)ς [Χ(ριστό)ς]. Remains of a circular inscription at left. Indeterminate border.

ΕΜΜΑN....

Ἐμμαν[ουήλ].

Reverse

Two figures: at left, a half-length representation of Basil II bearded, wearing a loros; and at right a representation of Constantine VIII. He is shown half-length with a heavy face and bulging eyes. He wears a crown with a cross and pendilia and a chlamys pinned together with a fibula on the right shoulder. They hold between them a long patriarchal cross. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

..........AI

[Basil(ios) c(e) Cons]tanti(nos) b(asilis) R(omaion).

Obverse

Half-length representation of Christ bearded holding the right hand in blessing. He has a cruciger nimbus; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. Sigla visible at left: (ησοῦ)ς [Χ(ριστό)ς]. Remains of a circular inscription at left. Indeterminate border.

ΕΜΜΑN....

Ἐμμαν[ουήλ].

Reverse

Two figures: at left, a half-length representation of Basil II bearded, wearing a loros; and at right a representation of Constantine VIII. He is shown half-length with a heavy face and bulging eyes. He wears a crown with a cross and pendilia and a chlamys pinned together with a fibula on the right shoulder. They hold between them a long patriarchal cross. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

..........AI

[Basil(ios) c(e) Cons]tanti(nos) b(asilis) R(omaion).

Accession number BZS.1955.1.4309 (formerly DO 55.1.4309)
Diameter 29.0 mm
Previous Editions

DO Seals 6, no. 69.6.

Translation

Basilios ce Constantinos basilis Romaion.

Basil and Constantine, 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)