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Hadrianos/Andronios imperial kensor (?) (seventh/eighth century)

 
 

Obverse

The Virgin, standing, holding the Christ child on her l. arm. In l. field, trees (?). In r., field, cruciform monogram. Wreath border.

 - δ - ι - λ - ν - ο - ρ - υ

Ἀδριάνου/Ἀνδρωνίου (?)

Reverse

Cruciform monogram. Wreath border.

 -  - ε - ι - κ - λ - ν - ο - ρ - υ - ω

βασιλικῷ κένσορι (?)

Obverse

The Virgin, standing, holding the Christ child on her l. arm. In l. field, trees (?). In r., field, cruciform monogram. Wreath border.

 - δ - ι - λ - ν - ο - ρ - υ

Ἀδριάνου/Ἀνδρωνίου (?)

Reverse

Cruciform monogram. Wreath border.

 -  - ε - ι - κ - λ - ν - ο - ρ - υ - ω

βασιλικῷ κένσορι (?)

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.3053
Diameter 21.0 mm

Translation

Ἀδριάνου/Ἀνδρωνίου βασιλικῷ κένσορι.

(Seal of) Hadrianos/Andronios, imperial censor (?).

Commentary

Both monograms are uncertain; the obverse right termination of the monogram is effaced; if it is a δ, then it reads the above, Ἀδριάνου/Ἀνδρωνίου. It can be a number of other names and offices depending on the identification of that last letter, including, Αὐρελιανοῦ (ε), Ἀρσενίου (σ), Καρίνου (κ), κορνικουλαρίου (κ), σκριναρίου (κσ ligature), Παναρίου (π) and νοταρίου (τ). The reverse seemingly has no ου ligature, but only an ο stacked upon a ρ at the top of the cruciform, though it is off the flan; apparently in that case, the office is in the dative, which does not fit with the genitive of the obverse. The reverse could also read as the title κουβικουλαρίου, along with any of the names Ἀρσενίου, Αἰνέιου, or Νεανίου, or others. Some form of name and koubikoularios is likely if the other side does not contain a name. As presented now, both readings are best guesses, but need improvement or a less worn parallel specimen.