★ An interesting eulogia token showing a pillar-saint ★

Uncertain, circa 7th-8th century (?). Token (Lead, 30 mm, 8.02 g, 12 h), "Eulogia" (blessing) token, Saint Symeon Stylites the Younger (?). Saint Symeon Stylites seated on a raised structure (pillar) with a ladder placed to the side; to left, censer; to right, cross shape with V's at extremities within circle; above, two angels flying facing the stylite. Rev. +ΑΓIA - MAPIA The Virgin seated facing on a high-backed throne, holding Christ. Cf. Gary Vikan, "Art, Medicine, and Magic in Early Byzantium" in DO Papers 38, p. 65-86 fig 5 (a two-sided stamp with very similar iconography). Some damage along the edge above and minor traces of corrosion, otherwise, very fine.

As their name suggests, 'eulogia' tokens were material blessings that pilgrims could take home with them after they visited a holy site, or a stylite saint such as Saint Symeon the Younger, a pillar-saint who reportedly lived on top of a pillar for 68 years. Originally made out of terracotta, later eulogia tokens such as ours were often produced in lead.