★ Byzantine seal of Michael hypatos ★
Byzantine seal of Michael hypatos
(ca 11th cent.)
Obverse: Facial bust of martyr Theodoros stratelates, nimbate, holding spear and shield, sigla, Ο/ΘΕ/Ο/ΔΩ-Ρ/Ο/C (Saint Theodoros), dotted border.
Reverse: Inscription in 6 lines, +CΚΕ/ΠΟΙCΜΙ/[ΧΑ]ΗΛVΠΑ/[Τ]ΟΝCΤΡΑ/ΤΗΛΑ/ΤΑ = Σκέποις Μιχαὴλ ὕπατον, Στρατηλάτα ([Saint Theodore] Stratelata, you may protect Michael hypatos), dotted border.
It's to note that the inscription on reverse consists a 12-syllable metric (iambic) verse.
Condition: Very Fine
Weight: 5.9 gr
Diameter: 17 mm