Isaac I Komnenos (1057-59)
Obverse
Half-length representation of Christ Emmanuel, bearded, wearing a tunic and himation and holding in the left hand a book with a cover ornamented in center with a pellet. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. Circular inscription. Border of dots.
ΕΜΜΑΝΟΥΗΛ
Ἐμμανουήλ.
Reverse
Half-length representation of the emperor Isaac I. He is depicted with a heavy, square face and bearded. He wears a crown with a cross and pendilia and military dress. He is shown holding an upturned sword in the right hand and a globus cruciger in the left. Circular inscription. Border of dots.
ΙΣΑΑΚΙΣΟΣ.......ΡΟΜΑΙΩ
Ἰσαάκιος [βασιλεὺς] Ῥομαίω(ν)?
Obverse
Half-length representation of Christ Emmanuel, bearded, wearing a tunic and himation and holding in the left hand a book with a cover ornamented in center with a pellet. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. Circular inscription. Border of dots.
ΕΜΜΑΝΟΥΗΛ
Ἐμμανουήλ.
Reverse
Half-length representation of the emperor Isaac I. He is depicted with a heavy, square face and bearded. He wears a crown with a cross and pendilia and military dress. He is shown holding an upturned sword in the right hand and a globus cruciger in the left. Circular inscription. Border of dots.
ΙΣΑΑΚΙΣΟΣ.......ΡΟΜΑΙΩ
Ἰσαάκιος [βασιλεὺς] Ῥομαίω(ν)?
| Accession number | BZS.1955.1.4321 (formerly DO 55.1.4321) |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 33.0 mm; field: 24.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 6, no. 76.3. |
Translation
Ἰσαάκιος βασιλεὺς Ῥομαίων?
Isaac, basileus 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)
Commentary
The resolution of the inscription on the reverse is not assured; the only certain letter at right is O. Either the inscription ends with Ῥομαίω(ν) or the family name Κομνην(ὸς).