Byzantine Empire, Seal, John VIII Xiphilinos
1064-1075 - Lead - EF(40-45)
PLEASE NOTE: this collector's item is unique. We therefore cannot guarantee its availability over time and recommend that you do not delay too long in completing your purchase if you are interested.
Madonna and child, facing.
Caption in Greek (+Mother of God, bring help to John, Bishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch)
John VIII Xiphilinos, Patriarch of Constantinople (1064-1075), Byzantine lead seal, a very well preserved copy with all the legends, a fine engraving and a high relief.
Μ(ήτ)ηρ Θ(εο)ῦ / + Θ(εοτό)κε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ
+ Ἰω(άννῃ) ἀρχ(ι)επισκόπῳ Κων(σταντινου)πό(λεως) Νέας Ῥώμης καὶ οἰκουμενικῷ π(ατ)ριάρχῃ.
41.1 gr
An “EF(40-45)” quality
As in numismatics it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
Extremely Fine
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins retains much of its mint luster, sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.