FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Antiquities Discussion Forums => Seals and Tesserae => Topic started by: Magistros on July 01, 2021, 01:24:11 pm

Title: Byzantine Seal #2
Post by: Magistros on July 01, 2021, 01:24:11 pm

Hi, would anyone have any ideas as to a reading of the legend on this 12th century (?) seal? Unfortunately it’s quite worn. On the obverse is the Virgin Mary, on the reverse I can make out:

+CΘΡΑ
ΓΙC….
THN…
….
…KWM (?)….

Thanks

Title: Re: Byzantine Seal #2
Post by: Magistros on July 01, 2021, 01:26:11 pm

Photos of the reverse

Title: Re: Byzantine Seal #2
Post by: iolkia on July 02, 2021, 11:53:20 am

Hello,

My guess would be: "CΦΡΑΓΙC ΕΙΜΙ ΤΗΝ ΓΡΑΦΗΝ..." I am the seal ... the writing. Perhaps "I am the seal I guard the writing". But I can't read anything after the N in the fourth line.

Regards,
Iolkia

Title: Re: Byzantine Seal #2
Post by: Gert on July 02, 2021, 02:25:16 pm

Yes, I think this seal has an anonymous legend. Expected would be OV (two letters or the ligature) at the start, "whose" to compose a legend that translates along the lines of "whose seal I am - look at the document to know". Several verbs are used in these legends, that are always 12-syllables.
Gert

Title: Re: Byzantine Seal #2
Post by: Magistros on July 02, 2021, 02:31:53 pm

Thanks Gert and Iolkia! Would it be correct to date this seal to the 11th/12th century?

Title: Re: Byzantine Seal #2
Post by: Gert on July 03, 2021, 04:53:26 am

Yes, I'd say last quarter 11th century.
Gert