Xenon of Apameia (?), 6th century. Tessera (Lead, 23 mm, 7.61 g, 12 h). Block monogram of ΞENⲰNOC within square frame. Rev. Block monogram containing Π, M, C and A within decorated square frame. Apparently unpublished. Good very fine.


A possible solution for the reverse monogram would be AΠAMIAC ("of Apameia"). If this is correct, the monogram could refer to the place of origin of the person signing, who would thus be "Xenon of Apameia". Considering the fact that some Byzantine tesserae explicitly mention charitable foundations, however, the toponym could also refer to a diaconia of the city of Apameia.