John monk and orphanotrophos (eleventh century, first half)
Obverse
Bust of St. Nicholas, holding book; details obscure. Inscription: Ο|Α|ΓΙ|Ο.|.|Κ.|.: ὁ (ἅγιος) [Νι]κ[όλ(αος)].
Obverse
Bust of St. Nicholas, holding book; details obscure. Inscription: Ο|Α|ΓΙ|Ο.|.|Κ.|.: ὁ (ἅγιος) [Νι]κ[όλ(αος)].
Reverse
Inscription in six lines. Border of dots.
ιβ
κε,θ,
τσδ
λι
ορφανο
τροφ
Ι(νδικτιὼν) βˊ. Κ(ύρι)ε β(οή)θ(ει) τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Ἰω(άννῃ) (μον)αχ(ῷ) (καὶ) ὀρφανοτρόφ(ῳ)
Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.2967 |
---|---|
Diameter | 26.0 mm; field: 23.0 mm |
Previous Editions | Cf. Zacos-Veglery, no. 2677bis (a). |
Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Ινδικτιὼν βˊ. Κύριε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Ἰωάννῃ μοναχῷ καὶ ὀρφανοτρόφῳ.
Indiction 2. Lord, help your servant John, monk and orphanotrophos.
Bibliography
- Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
See PBW: Ioannes 68. See John W. Nesbitt, "The Orphanotrophos: Some observations on the history of the office in light of seals," SBS 8 (2003), 59-60. He notes that this specimen is in fact a copper token and reads the top line of the reverse as "Indiction 2," which coincides with the year 1033-1034 when the seal's owner travelled to Myra to seek a cure from St Nicholas.