E02905: Bronze bread-stamp for the production of eulogiae, showing an image of *Philip (the Apostle, S00109), flanked by two buildings, topped by crosses and at the top of steps. Certainly from Hierapolis in southwest Phrygia (west central Asia Minor). Probably 6th-7th c. or later.

Round bronze disc. Diameter: 10.5 cm. Gripping ring on the back side. Reportedly found at Hierapolis, and, given the nature of the object, certainly from this site. Now in the Virginia Museum of Art, Richmond.

The central field of the disc is occupied by an elaborate engraved scene, showing a bearded man with nimbus, standing. He is holding a scroll with both his hands in front of his chest, and is wearing a long heavy cloak (resembling a pilgrim's outfit, according to Francesco D'Andria). To the man's right is shown an octagonal building at the top of a stairway, crowned by a dome with cross. To his left, is another building, likewise at the top of a stairway and with a cross on top of its gable.

Inscription 1 is engraved in mirror writing on both sides of the figure's head:

+ ὁ ἁ- Φιλ-
γιος ιππος

+ +

'+ Saint Philip + +.'

Inscription 2 runs on a band around the edge of the disc, in mirror writing:

+ ἅγιος, ἅγιος, ἅγιος Κύριος Σαβαώθ, πλήρις ὡ οὐρανὸς κὲ ἡ γῖ τῆς ἁγίας σου δώξις

'+ Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts (Sabaoth)! Heaven and Earth are full of your holy glory!'

Text: D'Andria 2011-2012, 42.