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Nikephoros (eleventh century, second half)

 
 

Obverse

Bust of St. George holding a spear over his right shoulder and a shield on his left. On either side, a vertical inscription: |γ|ε|ορ|γ|η|ο : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Γεόργηο(ς). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. A decoration above. Border of dots.

  
νικη
ορο,υ
λατ,λ,
χ̅υ̅

Νικηφόρο(ν) φύλατ(τε) δοῦλ(ον) Χ(ριστο)ῦ

Obverse

Bust of St. George holding a spear over his right shoulder and a shield on his left. On either side, a vertical inscription: |γ|ε|ορ|γ|η|ο : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Γεόργηο(ς). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. A decoration above. Border of dots.

  
νικη
ορο,υ
λατ,λ,
χ̅υ̅

Νικηφόρο(ν) φύλατ(τε) δοῦλ(ον) Χ(ριστο)ῦ

Accession number BZS.1958.106.887
Diameter 19.0 mm
Previous Editions

Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 1491.

Translation

Νικηφόρον φύλαττε δοῦλον Χριστοῦ.

Protect Nikephoros, the servant of Christ.

Commentary

The inscription falls one syllable short of a twelve-syllable verse, but the intention is metrical, if not the result.

Bibliography

  • Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)