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Phouretzes merchant (?) (eleventh/twelfth century)

 
 

Obverse

Bust of the Mother of God orans, with the medallion of Christ before her. Details indistinct. On either side: μ̅θ̅: Μ(ήτηρ) Θ(εοῦ). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.

κε,θ,
φρ̣ετι
πργμ
τεπτι

Κ(ύρι)ε β(οή)θ(ει) Φουρέτζι πραγματεπτῖ

Obverse

Bust of the Mother of God orans, with the medallion of Christ before her. Details indistinct. On either side: μ̅θ̅: Μ(ήτηρ) Θ(εοῦ). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.

κε,θ,
φρ̣ετι
πργμ
τεπτι

Κ(ύρι)ε β(οή)θ(ει) Φουρέτζι πραγματεπτῖ

Accession number BZS.1958.106.1464
Diameter 23.0 mm; field: 16.0 mm
Previous Editions

Translation

Κύριε βοήθει Φουρέτζι πραγματεπτῖ.

Lord, help Phouretzes, merchant.

Commentary

The last line of the reverse poses a problem. The lettering consists of a tau, a ligature (read here, not without misgivings as pi-tau), and iota, thus making πραγματεπτῖ. This may represent a mistake on the engraver's part; in any event, the simplest interpretation is to take the owner as a merchant (πραγματευτής).