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Barrabas (sixth/seventh centuries)

 
 

Obverse

Bust of the Virgin holding the Child before her. A cross on either side. Wreath border.

Reverse

Eagle with outspread wings. Above, between the wings, a cruciform monogram: ΒΒΡ . Wreath border.

Βαραββᾷ

Obverse

Bust of the Virgin holding the Child before her. A cross on either side. Wreath border.

Reverse

Eagle with outspread wings. Above, between the wings, a cruciform monogram: ΒΒΡ . Wreath border.

Βαραββᾷ

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.19
Diameter 31.0 mm; field: 23.0 mm
Credit Line Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore.

Translation

Βαραββᾷ

Barrabas

Commentary

The reverse monogram could also be read as Βαρβάρᾳ (Barbara); however, it is less likely that the seal owner was a woman.