BYZANTINE SEALS, The Oikonomeion - The Treasury - of Haghia Sofia. Constantinople. Early 12th century. Seal (Lead, 56 mm, 105.18 g, 12 h). Η ΑΓΙΑ - CΟΦΙΑ / ΜΗΡ - ΘV The Virgin, nimbate, seated facing on a backless throne and holding the infant Christ, nimbate, seated facing on her lap and raising his right hand in benediction; on the left and on the right, five emperors, crowned and wearing a loros, standing facing, their heads inclined toward the Virgin, and each offering her a scroll listing donations; all within a circular dotted border. Rev. +ΘOY CΟ/ΦΊΑC ΟΙΚΟΝΟ/ΜΕΊΟΥ ΛΌΓΟΥC/ΕΓΏ ΚΡΑΤΎΝΩΝ/ΤΟΎC ΥΠΗΚΌΟΥC/CΚΈΠΩ = Θεοῦ Σοφίαϛ Οἰκονομείου λόγοιϛ, ἐγὼ κρατύνων, τούς ὑπηκόους = I (the Virgin) am the one that controls the accounts of the treasury of Hagia Sophia, and protects the subjects of the empire. In six lines within a circular dotted border. From the same boulloterion as the only other known example: Geneva 275 = Wassiliou-Seibt, metrischen, 932 = Zacos Spink II, (1999), 208 = Zacos & Veglery I (illustrated on the title page of the plate volume). This example corrects the reading of the reverse legend, misread due to double-striking. A great rarity: the second, and better, example known. Well-struck, well-centered and with an attractive patina. Minor marks, otherwise, good very fine.
