Byzantine lead seal of Peter hypatos (consul) and in charge of imperial treasury (?), with the unsual depiction of animals
(ca 11th cent.).
Obverse: A bird (pertridge?) to right between herbal decoration, circular inscription clockwise between double dotted border, +ΠΕΤΡΩΥΠΑΤΩSΕ[ΠΙΤΩΝ]ΛΑΡΓΙΤΟΝ (?) (Seal of Peter consul and in charge of largitio).

Reverse: A griffin to right between herbal decoration, circular inscription clockwise between double dotted border, as in obverse, +ΠΕΤΡΩΥΠΑΤΩSΕ[ΠΙΤΩΝ]ΛΑΡΓΙΤΟΝ (?) (Seal of Peter consul and in charge of largitio).

Commentary: If our reading of the last defective in both inscriptions phrase is correct, then Peter was possibly in charge of the imperial treasury (λαργίτων> latin largitio, -onis). The high dignity of Pater could be signified by the large size of his seal.

Condition: Very Fine

Weight: 24,1 gram
Diameter: 31,8 mm