N. bishop (sixth century)
Obverse
Bust of the Virgin in profile, turned to the r. toward the Christ child whom she holds on her l. arm. She wears maphorion and is nimbate. He has nimbus cr. In fields to l. and r. of the Virgin's head, crosses. Wreath border.
Reverse
Block monogram. Wreath border.
- ε - ι - - μ - ν - ο - - υ
. . .ἐπισκόπου
Obverse
Bust of the Virgin in profile, turned to the r. toward the Christ child whom she holds on her l. arm. She wears maphorion and is nimbate. He has nimbus cr. In fields to l. and r. of the Virgin's head, crosses. Wreath border.
Reverse
Block monogram. Wreath border.
- ε - ι - - μ - ν - ο - - υ
. . .ἐπισκόπου
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.3062 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 25.0 mm |
Translation
. . .ἐπισκόπου.
(Seal of) N. bishop.
Commentary
This is clearly the seal of a bishop, but there are a wealth of possible names that could form the complex monogram along with it; Ὑμναίου (Hymnaios), Ἀνεμίου (Anemios), Ἀιμιλιανοῦ (Aimilianos), Αὐτονόμου (Autonomos), Αντιόχου (Antiochos), Παχομίου (Pachomios), etc. None are common enough names to be clear favorites. The ου ligature above the block is effaced but apparently present.