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Niketas Kastamonites (eleventh century, second half)

 
 

Obverse

Bust of the Mother of God with medallion of Christ. Sigla: Μ̅Θ̅: Μ(ήτηρ) Θ(εοῦ). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription in four lines with a cross decoration above. Border of dots.


ΘΚ̅Ε,Θ,
ΝΙΚΗΤΑ
ΚΑΤΑ
ΜΟΝΙΤΗ

Θ(εοτό)κε β(οή)θ(ει) Νικήτᾳ Κασταμονίτῃ

Obverse

Bust of the Mother of God with medallion of Christ. Sigla: Μ̅Θ̅: Μ(ήτηρ) Θ(εοῦ). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription in four lines with a cross decoration above. Border of dots.


ΘΚ̅Ε,Θ,
ΝΙΚΗΤΑ
ΚΑΤΑ
ΜΟΝΙΤΗ

Θ(εοτό)κε β(οή)θ(ει) Νικήτᾳ Κασταμονίτῃ

Accession number BZS.1958.106.3775
Diameter 17.0 mm; field: 13.0 mm

Translation

Θεοτόκε βοήθει Νικήτᾳ Κασταμονίτῃ.

Mother of God, help Niketas Kastamonites.

Commentary

One parallel to this seal, listed below, is found in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection. Two other parallels, or closely related seals, are preserved at the Hermitage (Hermitage M-10337) and in the Orghidan Collection (Orghidan 440), both mentioned in Katsaros, Iōannēs Kastamonitēs, p. 130. See PBW: Niketas 20259.

Bibliography

  • Documents de sigillographie byzantine: La collection C. Orghidan (Open in Zotero)
  • Iōannēs Kastamonitēs: symvolē stē meletē tou viou, tou ergou kai tēs epochēs tou (Open in Zotero)