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Constantine IX Monomachos (1042-55)

 
 

Obverse

Half-length representation of Christ Emmanuel, bearded, wearing a tunic and himation and holding the right hand in blessing and in the left a book with a cover ornamented in center with two pellets. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. Sigla at left and right: (ησοῦ)ς Χ(ριστό)ς. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

Ε...ΝΟΥΗ.

[μμα]νουή[λ].

Reverse

Half-length representation of (Constantine IX?) bearded, wearing a crown with a cross and pendilia and a loros. He is shown holding a long cross scepter in the right hand and a globus cruciger in the left. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

.....AOCRA,R,

[Cωnst(a)n(tinos)] autocr(ator) au(gustus) R(o)m(aion).

Obverse

Half-length representation of Christ Emmanuel, bearded, wearing a tunic and himation and holding the right hand in blessing and in the left a book with a cover ornamented in center with two pellets. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. Sigla at left and right: (ησοῦ)ς Χ(ριστό)ς. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

Ε...ΝΟΥΗ.

[μμα]νουή[λ].

Reverse

Half-length representation of (Constantine IX?) bearded, wearing a crown with a cross and pendilia and a loros. He is shown holding a long cross scepter in the right hand and a globus cruciger in the left. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

.....AOCRA,R,

[Cωnst(a)n(tinos)] autocr(ator) au(gustus) R(o)m(aion).

Accession number BZS.1958.106.631 (formerly DO 58.106.631)
Diameter 29.0 mm; field: 28.0 mm
Previous Editions

DO Seals 6, no. 73.11.

Translation

Cωnstantinos autocrator augustus Romaion.

Constantine, autocrator (and) augustus of the Romans.

Commentary

Although the emperor’s name is missing, one can be fairly certain, judging from the inscription and imperial regalia, that the specimen is to be attributed to Constantine IX.

Bibliography

  • Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Vol. 6, Emperors, Patriarchs of Constantinople, Addenda (Open in Zotero)
  • Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)