★ The 'Trophy-bearer' ★

Johannes, logariastes of the Tropaiophoros (St. George), last third of 11th century. Seal (Lead, 20 mm, 6.81 g, 12 h). [MHP] - ΘV Nimbate bust of the Mother of God "Episkepsis" facing, raising both hands in prayer, medallion of Christ in front. Rev. ΘKЄ [R,Θ,] / IⲰ ΛOΓ[A]/PIACT, T[૪] / TPOΠAIO/ΦOP૪ in five lines. BBÖ II 51. Schlumberger 151/3. A highly interesting seal attesting a rare office. Good very fine.

From a European collection, acquired before 2021.

The name “Tropaiophoros” refers to a domain dedicated to St. George the Trophy-bearer, with holdings and lands in Constantinople and the provinces. It was associated with the charitable foundation (“oikos”) of St. George of Mangana, established by the emperor Constantine IX Monomachos (1042-1055) for his mistress, Maria Skleraina. These institutions were administrated by different bureaus: the Mangana under a kourator, the Tropaiophoros under a grand oikonomos. Aside from logariastai like John, we have attestations of notarioi and protonotarioi devoted to the daily affairs of the domain.