Basil II and Constantine VIII (976-1025)
Obverse
Half-length representation of Christ bearded, wearing a tunic and himation and holding the right hand in blessing and a book in the left. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. Sigla at left and right: Ἰ(ησοῦ)ς Χ(ριστό)ς. Remains of a circular inscription at right: [Ἐμμα]νουήλ. Border of dots.
.....ΝΟΥΗΛ
Reverse
Two figures: at left, a half-length representation of Basil II bearded, wearing a crown with a cross and pendilia; and at right a representation of Constantine VIII. He is shown half-length wearing a crown with a cross and pendilia and a chlamys pinned together with a fibula on the right shoulder. They hold between them a long patriarchal cross. Circular inscription. Border of dots.
ASIL.COSAIR
Basil(ios) [c(e)] Constanti(nos) b(asilis) R(omaion)
Obverse
Half-length representation of Christ bearded, wearing a tunic and himation and holding the right hand in blessing and a book in the left. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. Sigla at left and right: Ἰ(ησοῦ)ς Χ(ριστό)ς. Remains of a circular inscription at right: [Ἐμμα]νουήλ. Border of dots.
.....ΝΟΥΗΛ
Reverse
Two figures: at left, a half-length representation of Basil II bearded, wearing a crown with a cross and pendilia; and at right a representation of Constantine VIII. He is shown half-length wearing a crown with a cross and pendilia and a chlamys pinned together with a fibula on the right shoulder. They hold between them a long patriarchal cross. Circular inscription. Border of dots.
ASIL.COSAIR
Basil(ios) [c(e)] Constanti(nos) b(asilis) R(omaion)
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.1657 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 29.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 6, no. 69.2. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Basilios ce Constantinos basilis Romaion.
Basil and Constantine, basileis of the Romans.
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)