★ An interesting reverse legend composed as a verse ★

Konstantinos, bishop, 13th century. Seal (Lead, 37 mm, 47.43 g, 12 h). O / A/ΓI/O/C - Iω / O ΘЄ/OΛO/ΓOC ('Saint John, the Theologian') Nimbate Saint John the Theologian standing facing, raising his right hand in benediction and holding a book of Gospels in his left. Rev. ΘV ΛOΓOV / ΓNHCIE MV/ CT A CON ΘVTH / ωIA NNH CKEΠOIC / ME TON KωN/CTANTINON ("Johannes, true initiate of the Word of God, may you protect your priest Konstantinos") in six lines. Apparently unpublished. A very large and impressive late Byzantine seal with an interesting legend composed as verse. Cracks along the channel, otherwise, very fine.