A beautiful anonymous iconographic byzantine lead seal
(ca 11th cent.)
(Lead, 16.96 gr, 30.60 mm, 12h). Condition: Some scrapes on reverse, near Extremely Fine/Very Fine. Uncleaned with a nice natural cream patina.
Obv.: Facial bust of saint martyr Panteleimon, nimbate, with curly hair, beardless, wearing a chiton, holding a box with medicines and a medical instrument (spoon), sigla in the field, o / π / αν / τε / λ[ε]-η / μ / ω / ν = Ὁ (ἅγιος) Παντελεήμων (Saint Panteleimon), dotted border.
Rev.: Facial bust of saint bishop Nicholaos, nimbate, with short curly hair and lightly bearded, wearing a prelate's garments, his right hand raised in blessing, holding the Book of Gospels in his left hand, sigla in the field, o / α / γι / ο / c - ν / ι / κο / λα / ο / c = Ὁ ἅγιος Νικόλαος (Saint Nicholaos), dotted border.