Skip to Content

Constantine IX Monomachos (1042-55)

 
 

Obverse

Half-length representation of Christ Emmanuel, bearded, wearing a tunic and himation and holding the right hand in blessing and a book in the left. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. Sigla at left and right: (ησοῦ)ς Χ(ριστό)ς. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

...ΜΑΝΟΥΗΛ

[Ἐμ]μανουήλ.

Reverse

Half-length representation of Constantine IX bearded, wearing a crown with a cross and pendilia and a loros. He is shown holding a globus cruciger in the right hand and akakia in the left. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

......AIOSAOC

[Cωnst]antinos autoc(ra)t(or).

Obverse

Half-length representation of Christ Emmanuel, bearded, wearing a tunic and himation and holding the right hand in blessing and a book in the left. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. Sigla at left and right: (ησοῦ)ς Χ(ριστό)ς. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

...ΜΑΝΟΥΗΛ

[Ἐμ]μανουήλ.

Reverse

Half-length representation of Constantine IX bearded, wearing a crown with a cross and pendilia and a loros. He is shown holding a globus cruciger in the right hand and akakia in the left. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

......AIOSAOC

[Cωnst]antinos autoc(ra)t(or).

Accession number BZS.1955.1.4317 (formerly DO 55.1.4317)
Diameter 35.0 mm; field: 22.0 mm
Previous Editions

DO Seals 6, no. 73.12; Zacos-Veglery no. 80.

Translation

Cωnstantinos autocrator.

Constantine, autocrator.

Commentary

The dimensions of the imperial bust are smaller than those of other specimens of this emperor.

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)