Byzantine lead seal of John patrikios,
imperial protospatharios
and akeladinos (?)
(10th cent.)

Obverse: Patriarchal cross on four steps, circular invocative inscription clockwise between double dotted border, +ΚΕRΟΗΘΕΙΤΩCΩΔΟΥΛΩ = Κύριε, βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ (Lord, help your servant).

Reverse: Inscription in 5 lines following a cross, +ΙΩΑΝ/ΝΗΠΑΤΡΗ[Κ,]/R, A,CΠΑΘ[ΑΡΙ]/ΩSΑΚΕΛΑ/ΔΙΝΩ (?) = Ἰωάννῃ πατρικίῳ, βασιλικῷ πρωτοσπαθαρίῳ καὶ ἀκελαδίνῳ (John patrikios, imperial protospatharios and akeladinos), dotted border.

If our reading of the last word in reverse is correct, then this dignity (akeladinos) is a puzzle and surprise!

Condition: Very Fine

Weight: 9,8 gram
Diameter: 23,0 mm