★ An apparently unique seal of Constantine IV, patriarch of Constantinopolis ★

Constantine IV Chliarenus, ecumenical patriarch of Constantinopolis, 1154–1156. Seal (Lead, 27 mm, 10.95 g, 12 h). MHP - ΘV Nimbate Mother of God enthroned facing, holding Christ in front of her. Rev. KⲰN/[C]TANTINOC / ЄΛЄⲰ Θ૪ APXI/ЄΠICKOΠOC KⲰN/[ΠOΛЄ]ⲰC NЄAC / [PⲰ]MHC KAI OI/[K]૪MЄNIKOC / ΠPIAPX ('Konstantinos, by the mercy of God archbishop of Constantinopolis, the new Rome, and ecumenical patriarch') in eight lines. Unpublished in the standard references. Apparently the only known seal of this short-tenured patriarch and thus of the highest historical significance. Some surface roughness, otherwise, very fine.

From a European collection, formed before 2005.