Nikoleon (eleventh century)
Obverse
Bust of St Nicholas offering a blessing and holding the Gospel. Inscription on either side: .|.ι̣|κλ|α|ο : [ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ν]ικ(ό)λαο(ς). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. A decoration above. Border of dots.
ιεραρ
χοσιεφυ
λ,τετ̣ο̣ν̣σ,
δ,νικλ
.οντα
ἱεράρχ(α) ὅσιε, φύλ(ατ)τε τὸν σ(ὸν) δοῦλον Νικ(ο)λ[έ]οντα
Obverse
Bust of St Nicholas offering a blessing and holding the Gospel. Inscription on either side: .|.ι̣|κλ|α|ο : [ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ν]ικ(ό)λαο(ς). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. A decoration above. Border of dots.
ιεραρ
χοσιεφυ
λ,τετ̣ο̣ν̣σ,
δ,νικλ
.οντα
ἱεράρχ(α) ὅσιε, φύλ(ατ)τε τὸν σ(ὸν) δοῦλον Νικ(ο)λ[έ]οντα
| Accession number | BZS.1958.106.229 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.0 mm; field: 14.0 mm |
Translation
ἱεράρχα ὅσιε, φύλαττε τὸν σὸν δοῦλον Νικολέοντα.
Holy bishop, protect your servant Nikoleon.
Commentary
The reading of the owner's name as Nikoleon is not certain, nor is it clear whether this is his Christian or his family name.
The inscription appears to be metrical, consisting of a regular twelve-syllable verse followed by a seven-syllable hemistich.