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Theodosios imperial spatharios (ninth century)

 
 

Obverse

Cruciform invocative monogram (type V); n the quarters: ΤΣ|Λ. Thin wreath border.

Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ

Reverse

Inscription of three lines beginning with a cross. A cross between fleurons below. Thin wreath border.

ΘΕΟ
ΟΣΙΒ⸉ΣΠ
ΘΡΙ
  

Θεοδοσίῳ β(ασιλικῷ) σπαθαρίῳ

Obverse

Cruciform invocative monogram (type V); n the quarters: ΤΣ|Λ. Thin wreath border.

Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ

Reverse

Inscription of three lines beginning with a cross. A cross between fleurons below. Thin wreath border.

ΘΕΟ
ΟΣΙΒ⸉ΣΠ
ΘΡΙ
  

Θεοδοσίῳ β(ασιλικῷ) σπαθαρίῳ

Accession number BZS.1958.106.3175
Diameter 28.0 mm

Translation

Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Θεοδοσίῳ βασιλικῷ σπαθαρίῳ.

Theotokos, help your servant Theodosios imperial spatharios.

Commentary

Two other seals seem to be related to this specimen. The first (BZS.1958.106.2831) appears to be a parallel. The second (BZS.1958.106.4267), although it differs slightly and seems to come from a different boulloterion, has an identical arrangement of letters and decoration, and so belongs to the same individual.