PB seal of Manuel Erotikos Komnenos, anthypatos, patrikios, and vestes (AD 955/960 – c. 1020)
Obv: Half-length of St George holding a spear and shield. Inscription on either side: [ὁ] ἅγι[ο](ς) [Γε]όργιο(ς). Border of dots.
Rev: Inscription of six lines: [Μανου]ὴλ ἀνθύπατ(ο)ς πατρίκ(ιος) (καὶ) βέστις ὁ Κομνηνός. Border of dots.
Translation: Manuel Komnenos, anthypatos, patrikios, and vestes.
Manuel Komnenos was a Byzantine military leader under Basil II, and the first member of the Komnenos family, i.e. its founder and namesake, so to speak. He is mentioned in the sources as leading the defence of Nicaea in 978 against the rebel Bardas Skleros. According to his great-grand daughter, Anna Komnene, Manuel had been appointed “Strategos autokrator of the East” to deal with the rebellion of the Bardas Skleros, be it militarily or diplomatically. His eldest son, Isaakios Komnenos, became emperor in 1057-1059. Manuel owned lands near Kastamonu (in Paphlagonia), which Isaakios inherited from him (PmbZ Online, 24885).
The only known parallel specimen of our very rare seal is in the Dumbarton Oaks collection: DO Seals, BZS.1955.1.3437.
Condition: Very Fine.
Weight: 12.50 g.
Diameter: 26.80 mm.