Isaakios, imperial protospatharios and epi tou manglabiou, 2nd half 10th-early 11th centuries. Seal (Lead, 22 mm, 6.75 g, 12 h). +KЄ RHΘI TⲰ CⲰ Δ' - O Π/A-N/T, Nimbate bust of St. Pantaleon facing, holding medical instruments. Rev. +ICA/KIⲰ R,A,C/ΠAΘ, S ЄΠI / T૪ MAΓ/ΛAR in five lines. Unpublished in the standard references. A very attractive depiction of the patron saint of doctors on the seal of the chief palace guard. Good very fine.

From a European collection, formed before 2005.

As ‘epi tou manglabiou’, Isaakios was the commander of the imperial guard of the ‘manglabitai’ ('club-bearers') and thus a very important and influential figure at the imperial court due to his proximity to the emperor.