Byzantine lead seal of Platon metropolites of Tarsos
(Cilicia, Asia Minor)
(7th cent.)

Obverse: Facial bust of a prelate saint (apostle Paul), bare-headed, short-bearded, wearing chiton, a cross in either side in the field, below inscription, TAPCOV (of Tarsos [town]), all within wreath border.

Reverse: Inscription in 4 lines, ΠΛΑ/ΤΩΝΟC/ΜΙΤΡΟΠ/ΟΛΙΤΟΥ/+ (of Platon metropolitan), all within wreath border.
Tarsus (Greek: Ταρσός Tarsós) is a historic city in south-central Turkey, 20 km inland from the Mediterranean. It is part of the Adana-Mersin metropolitan area, the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Turkey with a population of 3 million people. With a history going back over 6,000 years, Tarsus has long been an important stop for traders and a focal point of many civilizations. During the Roman Empire, Tarsus was the capital of the province of Cilicia. It was the scene of the first meeting between Mark Antony and Cleopatra, and the birthplace of Paul the Apostle, so a patron saint of this bishopric. That's why seals of the bishops of Tarsus from 7th cent. are depicting on obverse saint Paul.

Condition: Very Fine

Weight: 15.5 gr
Diameter: 22 mm