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Michael (eleventh century)

 
 

Obverse

Bust of St. Michael the Archangel holding a scepter in his right hand and the globus in his left. Inscription: Μ̅-Χ: Μιχαήλ. Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of five lines, preceded by a cross. Border of dots.

ΔΛ,
ΣΡΑΓΙ,
ΦΕΡΕΙΣΕ
ΜΙΧΑΗΛ
ΦΟ

Δούλου σφραγὶς φέρει σε Μιχαὴλ φόβῳ

Obverse

Bust of St. Michael the Archangel holding a scepter in his right hand and the globus in his left. Inscription: Μ̅-Χ: Μιχαήλ. Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of five lines, preceded by a cross. Border of dots.

ΔΛ,
ΣΡΑΓΙ,
ΦΕΡΕΙΣΕ
ΜΙΧΑΗΛ
ΦΟ

Δούλου σφραγὶς φέρει σε Μιχαὴλ φόβῳ

Accession number BZS.1958.106.1378
Diameter 23.0 mm; field: 13.0 mm
Previous Editions

Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 666b.

Translation

Δούλου σφραγὶς φέρει σε Μιχαὴλ φόβῳ.

With awe your servant's seal carries your image, Michael. / With awe the seal of your servant Michael carries your image.

 

Commentary

The attribution of this seal (and the translation) depends on the punctuation of the inscription. If a comma is inserted before the name Michael, the name belongs in the vocative case and the inscription connects directly with the image shown on the obverse. On the other hand, without a comma the name Michael could be taken in the genitive, and the inscription refers to the owner while addressing the saint by implication. We have therefore given both translations and deem it likely that in any event the owner's name will have been Michael.