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Niketas ostiarios and metretes (tenth century)

 
 

Obverse

St Michael standing, wings outspread, holding a sceptre in his right hand and a globus in his left. Epigraphy on either side: μ|ιχ| : Μιχα(ήλ). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of five lines. Border of dots.

θκ̅ε̅θ,
νικητ
οστιρι
κιμε
τρητ,

Θ(εοτό)κε β(οή)θ(ει) Νικήτᾳ ὀστιαρίῳ καὶ μετρητ(ῇ)

Obverse

St Michael standing, wings outspread, holding a sceptre in his right hand and a globus in his left. Epigraphy on either side: μ|ιχ| : Μιχα(ήλ). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of five lines. Border of dots.

θκ̅ε̅θ,
νικητ
οστιρι
κιμε
τρητ,

Θ(εοτό)κε β(οή)θ(ει) Νικήτᾳ ὀστιαρίῳ καὶ μετρητ(ῇ)

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.38
Diameter 24.0 mm; field: 20.0 mm
Credit Line Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore.

Translation

Θεοτόκε βοήθει Νικήτᾳ ὀστιαρίῳ καὶ μετρητῇ.

Mother of God, help Niketas, ostiarios and metretes.

Commentary

This seal presents an unusual, and quite possibly unique, combination of title and office. The μετρητής ("measurer") appears to have been an official attached to the treasury (sakellion), whereas ostiarios ("usher") was a dignity conferred upon eunuchs.