John pragmateutes (eleventh/twelfth century)
Obverse
A cross on steps with fleurons rising on both sides. Within concentric borders of dots, a circular inscription beginning at seven o'clock:
Κεοηθητσο..
Κ(ύρι)ε βοήθη τῷ σῷ δο[ύλ(ῳ)]
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a decoration above. Border of dots.
ιαν
νηπραγ
ματευτ
ηαΝ
Ἰωάννῃ πραγματευτῇ, ἀμήν
Obverse
A cross on steps with fleurons rising on both sides. Within concentric borders of dots, a circular inscription beginning at seven o'clock:
Κεοηθητσο..
Κ(ύρι)ε βοήθη τῷ σῷ δο[ύλ(ῳ)]
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a decoration above. Border of dots.
ιαν
νηπραγ
ματευτ
ηαΝ
Ἰωάννῃ πραγματευτῇ, ἀμήν
| Accession number | BZS.1958.106.778 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 22.0 mm; field: 16.0 mm |
| Condition | Corroded. |
Translation
Κύριε βοήθη τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Ἰωάννῃ πραγματευτῇ. ἀμήν
Lord, help your servant John, merchant. Amen
Commentary
On the term pragmateutes, a merchant or "businessman," see W. Seibt, "Some seals of Byzantine professional men," ΑΝΤΙΧΑΡΙΣΜΑΤΟΣ ΕΠΙΣΦΡΑΓΙΣΙΣ: A tribute to Prof. Ivan Jordanov on his 70th anniversary," Shumen 2019, 435-38.