Nikephoros Moschos (?) (eleventh century, second half)
Obverse
Bust of St John the Baptist holding a staff cross over his left shoulder. Indistinct traces of epigraphy on either side. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a cross above. Border of dots.
ΠΡΟΡ,
ΜΕΣΠ,
ΝΙΚΗΦ,Τ,
Μ̣Ο̣Σ̣
Πρόδρ(ο)με, σ(κέ)π(οις) Νικηφ(όρον) τ(ὸν) Μόσ(χον)
Obverse
Bust of St John the Baptist holding a staff cross over his left shoulder. Indistinct traces of epigraphy on either side. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a cross above. Border of dots.
ΠΡΟΡ,
ΜΕΣΠ,
ΝΙΚΗΦ,Τ,
Μ̣Ο̣Σ̣
Πρόδρ(ο)με, σ(κέ)π(οις) Νικηφ(όρον) τ(ὸν) Μόσ(χον)
| Accession number | BZS.1958.106.3240 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 1836. |
Translation
Πρόδρομε, σκέποις Νικηφόρον τὸν Μόσχον.
Forerunner, may you protect Nikephoros Moschos.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
The reading of the last two lines of the inscription is by no means certain. We have presented the name Moschos, but it is possible that the last part of the inscription should be read as Μογ[λ(ένων)], in which case the owner would be a bishop of Moglena (Edessa). See Wassiliou-Seibt's comments in the catalogue entry cited above.