Basil, imperial cleric of the . . . (tenth/eleventh century)
Obverse
Bust of the Virgin orans. Inscription: ̅ΘΥ̅ : Μήτηρ Θεοῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription in five lines with decoration above. Border of dots.
θκ̅ε,Θ,
ΑΣΙΛΕΙ,
ΑΣΙΛˋΚΛΙ
ΡΙΚΟΤΟΝ.
Τ..
Θεοτόκε βοήθει Βασιλείῳ βασιλικῷ κληρικὸ τῶν .ουτω..
Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.2956 |
---|---|
Diameter | 21.0 mm |
Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει Βασιλείῳ βασιλικῳ κληρικὸ τῶν .ουτω..
Theotokos, help Basil, imperial cleric of the . . . (?)
Commentary
The last word on this seal appears to be the name of a monastery or other such institution; however, the crack in the seal makes this part of the inscription illegible. It is also possible that this is a family name (beginning with Ν after the ΤΩ), but with this seal being that of a cleric, a religious institution is more likely.