Basil II and Constantine VIII (976-1025)
Obverse
Half-length representation of Christ bearded. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. The cross is unusually large in relation to the dimensions of Christ’s face. Sigla visible at right: [Ἰ(ησοῦ)ς] Χ(ριστό)ς. Remains of a circular inscription at right. No visible border.
....ΝΟ...
[Ἐμμα]νο[υήλ]
Reverse
Two figures: at left, a half-length representation of Basil II bearded with a long, triangular face. He wears a crown with a cross and pendilia and a loros; at right a representation of Constantine VIII. He is shown half-length with a face that is heavier and less pinched than that of his companion. He wears a crown with a cross and pendilia. They hold between them a long patriarchal cross. Circular inscription. Border of dots.
ASILCCOSA.....
Basil(ios) c(e) Consta[nti(nos) b(asilis) R(omaion)]
Obverse
Half-length representation of Christ bearded. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. The cross is unusually large in relation to the dimensions of Christ’s face. Sigla visible at right: [Ἰ(ησοῦ)ς] Χ(ριστό)ς. Remains of a circular inscription at right. No visible border.
....ΝΟ...
[Ἐμμα]νο[υήλ]
Reverse
Two figures: at left, a half-length representation of Basil II bearded with a long, triangular face. He wears a crown with a cross and pendilia and a loros; at right a representation of Constantine VIII. He is shown half-length with a face that is heavier and less pinched than that of his companion. He wears a crown with a cross and pendilia. They hold between them a long patriarchal cross. Circular inscription. Border of dots.
ASILCCOSA.....
Basil(ios) c(e) Consta[nti(nos) b(asilis) R(omaion)]
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.1660 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 6, no. 69.4. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Basilios ce Constantinos basilis Romaion.
Basil and Constantine, basileis of the Romans.
Bibliography
- Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Vol. 6, Emperors, Patriarchs of Constantinople, Addenda (Open in Zotero)