Nikephoros imperial spatharios and tourmarches of Mesothynia (?) (ninth century)
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type V). In the quarters: Τ̣σ|Λ̣. . Wreath border.
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλ[ῳ]
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type V). In the quarters: Τ̣σ|Λ̣. . Wreath border.
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλ[ῳ]
Reverse
Inscription of four lines. Wreath border.
Νικηφ
ο/σπθ/
ρμαρχημ
.η
Νικηφ[όρ]ο β(ασιλικῷ) σπαθ(αρίῳ) [(καὶ) τ]ουρμάρχῃ Μ[ε(σο)θ]ηνήα(ς)
Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.2775 |
---|---|
Diameter | 27.0 mm |
Previous Editions | DO Seals 5, no. 126.1. |
Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Νικηφόρο βασιλικῷ σπαθαρίῳ καὶ τουρμάρχῃ Μεσοθηνήας.
Mother of God, help your servant Nikephoros imperial spatharios and tourmarch of Mesothynia (?).
Commentary
Our reading of the seal requires a rather unusual abbreviation in the final word of the last line of the reverse.