Phouretzes merchant (?) (eleventh/twelfth century)
Obverse
Bust of the Mother of God orans, with the medallion of Christ before her. Details indistinct. On either side: μ̅θ̅: Μ(ήτηρ) Θ(εοῦ). Border of dots.
Obverse
Bust of the Mother of God orans, with the medallion of Christ before her. Details indistinct. On either side: μ̅θ̅: Μ(ήτηρ) Θ(εοῦ). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
κε,θ,
φρ̣ετι
πργμ
τεπτι
Κ(ύρι)ε β(οή)θ(ει) Φουρέτζι πραγματεπτῖ
Accession number | BZS.1958.106.1464 |
---|---|
Diameter | 23.0 mm; field: 16.0 mm |
Previous Editions |
Translation
Κύριε βοήθει Φουρέτζι πραγματεπτῖ.
Lord, help Phouretzes, merchant.
Commentary
The last line of the reverse poses a problem. The lettering consists of a tau, a ligature (read here, not without misgivings as pi-tau), and iota, thus making πραγματεπτῖ. This may represent a mistake on the engraver's part; in any event, the simplest interpretation is to take the owner as a merchant (πραγματευτής).