FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board
Antiquities Discussion Forums => Seals and Tesserae => Topic started 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
-
Photos of the reverse
-
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
-
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
-
Thanks Gert and Iolkia! Would it be correct to date this seal to the 11th/12th century?
-
Yes, I'd say last quarter 11th century.
Gert