Βyzantine lead seal of Theophylaktos protovestarches
(ca 12th cent.)

(Lead, 8.68 gr, 19.30 mm, 12h). Condition: Struck on a tight flan, otherwise near Very Fine. Uncleaned with a charming brown patina.

Obv.: The Mother of God in the type of "Vlachernitissa" standing facial, nimbate, wearing chiton and maphorion, her arms open and raised in prayer, having the bust of Jesus Christ as a child in a medallion before her chest, sigla in the field, μρ-θυ = Μήτηρ Θεοῦ (Mother of God), dotted border.

Rev.: Inscription in 5 lines, [θ]εοφ[υ] / [λ]ακτο[ν / π]ρωτοr[ε] / [c]ταρχη[ν]/ cκεπε = Θεοφύλακτον πρωτοβεστάρχην σκέπε ([Mother of God], protect Theophylaktos protovestarches), no visible border.

It's noteworth that the inscription on the reverse consists a twelve-syllable iambic verse, a poetic form very popular in middle and late byzantine period.