Leo imperial silentiarios and abydikos (ninth century)
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type V). In the quarters: τσ|λ. Βorder of dots.
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ
Reverse
Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. Above and below the square border of dots, a cross (likely present from the earlier strike).
λεοντ,
σηληκ,
σηλεντ,κ
ευηκ,
Λέοντ(ι) βασηληκ(ῷ) σηλεντ(ιαρίῳ) κε ἀβυδηκ(ῷ)
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type V). In the quarters: τσ|λ. Βorder of dots.
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ
Reverse
Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. Above and below the square border of dots, a cross (likely present from the earlier strike).
λεοντ,
σηληκ,
σηλεντ,κ
ευηκ,
Λέοντ(ι) βασηληκ(ῷ) σηλεντ(ιαρίῳ) κε ἀβυδηκ(ῷ)
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.499 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 29.0 mm |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Λέοντι βασηληκῷ σηλεντιαρίῳ κε ἀβυδηκῷ.
Mother of God, help your servant Leo, imperial silentiarios and abydikos.
Bibliography
- Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 2 (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
This is a rare and remarkable inscription set within a square border of dots. Traces of a previous strike are visible along the edges of the reverse.