Byzantine lead seal of Patrikios palatinos
(ca 12th cent.)
Obverse: Bust of the Mother of God, facial, nimbate, wearing chiton and maphorion (iconographic type of "Nikopoios"), with Jesus Christ as infant in medallion on her chest, sigla [ΜΡ]-ΘV (Mother of God), dotted border.

Reverse: Inscription in 5 lines following decorative pattern, ΚΕRΘ/ΤΩCΩΔΟΥ/ΠΡΙΤΩ/ΠΑΛΑΤ/ΙΝΩ = Κύριε, βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Πατρικίῳ τῷ παλατινῷ (Lord, help your servant Patrikios the palatinos), dotted border.

Note: Here the name of the owner of the seal is Patrikios and his dignity is that of "palatinos", i.e. in charge of the imperial palace.

Condition: Very Fine

Weight: 7,4 gram
Diameter: 20,6 mm