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John deacon (?) (sixth century)

 
 

Obverse

Bust of the Virgin, facing, nimbate. Before her is Christ, with nimbus cr. Linear border.

Reverse

Block monogram. Linear border.

 - δ - ι - κ - ν - ο - υ - ω

Ἰωάννου διακόνου

Obverse

Bust of the Virgin, facing, nimbate. Before her is Christ, with nimbus cr. Linear border.

Reverse

Block monogram. Linear border.

 - δ - ι - κ - ν - ο - υ - ω

Ἰωάννου διακόνου

Accession number BZS.1955.1.74
Diameter 19.0 mm

Translation

Ἰωάννου διακόνου.

(Seal of) John deacon.

Commentary

The large gap in the middle of the seal makes it difficult to unequivocally resolve the monogram, in addition to the monogram's apparent complexity. It is almost certain that Ἰωάννου is present, as is another word, perhaps διακόνου, or, as is less likely, another name, such as Δάννου (Daanos). If there are two names present, one is likely a patronymic, especially because there is no S to represent καὶ, but there is only the remains of a κ on the right. It is impossible to determine which name would be the patronymic.