PB Byzantine seal of Leo imperial kommerkiarios and abydikos of Thessalonica (AD 9th century)
Obv: Cruciform invocative monogram (type V): Θεοτόκε βοήθει; in the quarters: τῷ σῷ δούλῳ. No visible border.
Rev: Inscription of five lines: Λέοντος β(ασιλικῷ) κουμ[ε]ρκιαρίῳ (καὶ) [ἀ]βυδικῷ Θ[εσσαλονίκης]. No visible border.
Translation: Theotokos, help your servant Leo imperial kommerkiarios and abydikos of Thessalonica.
Similars, DO Seals 1, no. 18.5c; Zacos-Veglery, no. 2101c.
Weight: 15.57 g.
Diameter: 26.57 mm.
The kommerkiarioi and abydikoi were key officials in the Byzantine Empire responsible for overseeing and regulating trade, collecting taxes, and ensuring the smooth operation of commercial activities in one of the empire's most important cities. Their roles were crucial in maintaining the economic stability and prosperity of the Byzantine state.