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(Michael?) Kastamonites (twelfth century, first half)

 
 

Obverse

St. Michael standing, holding the labarum in his right hand. Inscription: μχ : Μ(ι)χ(αήλ). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, a cross above. Border of dots.


καα
μονιτην
μιθειεσκ
εποισ

Κασταμονίτην, Μιχ(αήλ) θεῖε, σκέποις

Obverse

St. Michael standing, holding the labarum in his right hand. Inscription: μχ : Μ(ι)χ(αήλ). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, a cross above. Border of dots.


καα
μονιτην
μιθειεσκ
εποισ

Κασταμονίτην, Μιχ(αήλ) θεῖε, σκέποις

Accession number BZS.1958.106.1589
Diameter 26.0 mm; field: 18.0 mm
Previous Editions

Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 1093.

Translation

Κασταμονίτην, Μιχαήλ θεῖε, σκέποις.

Saint Michael, may you protect Kastamonites.

Commentary

It is most likely that the owner's Christian name was Michael, in keeping with the saint portrayed on the obverse and to whom the invocation is addressed. Note the unusual use of θεῖος instead of ἅγιος.