Byzantine Lead Seal ca. 10-11th Century - In the Name of John. Iconographic PB Seal. MHP - ΘΛ, featuring the representation of the Virgin and Christ, well centered on an oversize flan. Reverse: Within a beaded circle in 5 lines: ΘKE BON ΘEIWOEBA OTOΦOPW KAI EΠ…. (Mother of God, help John, sebastophoros and epi tes trapezes) Unpublished and the finest quality Byzantine seal we have handled.

Naming "John" or Johannes was a common name of the period and could be the local governor or magistrate and not the emperor. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $750 - UP
According to Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium The Sebastophoros was an office or title mentioned in the 10th century taktikon of Escurial. Oikonomides (infra) suggested that it was introduced between 963 and 975 and conferred primarily on eunuchs. The functions of the Sebastophoros are not clear - the etymology of the word implies that he may have carried the emperor's banner. The epi tes trapezes was an eunuch.