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Maria patrikia (sixth/seventh century)

 
 

Obverse

Bust of the Virgin with the medallion of Christ between two short crosses. Wreath border.

Reverse

Cruciform monogram. Indeterminate border.

α - ι - κ - μ - π - ρ - σ - τ

Μαρίας πατρικίας

Obverse

Bust of the Virgin with the medallion of Christ between two short crosses. Wreath border.

Reverse

Cruciform monogram. Indeterminate border.

α - ι - κ - μ - π - ρ - σ - τ

Μαρίας πατρικίας

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.2996
Diameter 23.0 mm; field: 20.0 mm
Credit Line Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore.

Translation

Μαρίας πατρικίας.

(Seal of) Maria patrikia.

Commentary

The resolution of this monogram as a female patrikia as such is made clear by the lack of any masculine genitive endings present within the seal; while Μάρκος, Μαρινός, and Μαριανός πατρικίος (Mark, Marinos, and Marianos patrikios) would be possible in the nominative, this case would be a great surprise to see--significantly more than the common feminine name title combination of Maria patrikia.