John imperial sphaktarios (ninth/tenth century)
Obverse
A cross potent mounted on a base of three steps. Along the circumference, within a wreath border, a circular inscription beginning with a cross at seven o'clock:
κεοηθειτσ̣ο̣υ̣λ̣
Κ(ύρι)ε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλ(ῳ)
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a cross of dots above and below. Wreath border.
ιν
νηση
ληκοσφ
κτρι
Ἰωάννῃ βασηληκο σφακταρίῳ
Obverse
A cross potent mounted on a base of three steps. Along the circumference, within a wreath border, a circular inscription beginning with a cross at seven o'clock:
κεοηθειτσ̣ο̣υ̣λ̣
Κ(ύρι)ε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλ(ῳ)
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a cross of dots above and below. Wreath border.
ιν
νηση
ληκοσφ
κτρι
Ἰωάννῃ βασηληκο σφακταρίῳ
| Accession number | BZS.1958.106.1452 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.0 mm |
Translation
Κύριε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Ἰωάννῃ βασηληκο σφακταρίῳ.
Lord, help your servant John, imperial sphaktarios.
Commentary
The term sphaktarios is to our knowledge otherwise unattested on seals, and its meaning remains unclear.