★ Byzantine lead seal of John Alopos the protospatharios ★

Byzantine lead seal of John Alopos the protospatharios (ca 11th cent.)
Condition: Some strikes and earth deposits, otherwise F/VF. Attractive natural patina.

Obverse: Saint Theodore, standing, facing, nimbate, in military garments, holding a spear in his right hand, and resting his left hand on a shield. Columnar inscription: O A(ΓIOC)/Θ/Є/Ο-ΔΩ/[PO]C = Ὁ ἅγιος Θεόδωρος (Saint Theodoros), all within dotted border.

Reverse: Inscription in 4 lines, following a cross, between two similar decorative patterns, all within a dotted border: + Κ(ΥΡΙ)Ε Β(ΟΗ)Θ(ΕΙ)/ ΙΩ(ΑΝΝΗ) ΠΡΩΤΟCΠΑ/ΘΑΡ(ΙΩ) ΤΩ Α/ΛΩΠΩ = Κύριε, βοήθει Ἰωάννῃ πρωτοσπαθαρίῳ τῷ Ἀλωπῷ (Lord, help John Alopos the protospatharios).

It is to note that the surname Alopos of John, the owner of the present seal, derives from the greek name of fox, ἀλώπηξ.

Weight: 11.05 gr - Diameter: 23 mm