(Michael?) Kastamonites (twelfth century, first half)
Obverse
St. Michael standing, holding the labarum in his right hand. Inscription: μχ : Μ(ι)χ(αήλ). Border of dots.
Obverse
St. Michael standing, holding the labarum in his right hand. Inscription: μχ : Μ(ι)χ(αήλ). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a cross above. Border of dots.
καα
μονιτην
μιθειεσκ
εποισ
Κασταμονίτην, Μιχ(αήλ) θεῖε, σκέποις
Accession number | BZS.1958.106.1589 |
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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.