Paul . . . (sixth/seventh century)

Commentary

While the obverse clearly contains the common name Paul, the reverse monogram is ambiguous. It seems to be complex, perhaps containing two names or a name and a title. The latter option seems most likely with the presence of a name on the obverse, but no typical combination of name and title can be found, let alone with both words in the same case; some possible (yet unlikely) resolutions are some combination of the names Ἀβραμίου, Ἀδαμαντίου or Δαμιανοῦ with the offices of μανδάτορι or βαλνίτορι. The most likely resolution--albeit still quite strange is Δαβίδ μανδάτορι, with the dative indicating that the seal is to be read as "David the mandator, son of Paul." However this strange reading is speculative and not altogether likely. Perhaps this monogram contains a mistake.