Plato (?) (seventh/eighth century)
Obverse
Cruciform monogram. Wreath border.
α - λ - ν - ο - π - σ - τ - ω
Πλάτωνος (?)
Reverse
In upper field, bust of Christ with nimbus cruciger. Crosses on either side. Below, inscription in four lines. Wreath border.
δευτεοι
ευλογιμ
ενοιτ
πσ
Δεῦτε οἱ εὐλογιμένοι τοῦ Πατρός
Obverse
Cruciform monogram. Wreath border.
α - λ - ν - ο - π - σ - τ - ω
Πλάτωνος (?)
Reverse
In upper field, bust of Christ with nimbus cruciger. Crosses on either side. Below, inscription in four lines. Wreath border.
δευτεοι
ευλογιμ
ενοιτ
πσ
Δεῦτε οἱ εὐλογιμένοι τοῦ Πατρός
| Accession number | BZS.1958.106.2817 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Zacos-Veglery, no. 1103. |
Translation
Πλάτωνος. Δεῦτε οἱ εὐλογιμένοι τοῦ Πατρός.
(Seal of) Plato. Come, ye blessed of My Father.
Bibliography
- Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
The resolution of the monogram is not certain, as the Τ must be found in an unlikely place (perhaps the intersection of the cruciform). Zacos dates this seal to 550-650; however, in our view it should be assigned to the late seventh century, perhaps the early eighth. The reverse presents a very rare example of an inscription drawn from Holy Writ.