Turkey, Seal, Sceau
Jean VIII Xiphilin - 1064-1075 - Lead - EF(40-45)
Sold
Madonna and child, facing.
Caption in Greek (+Mother of God, bring help to John, Bishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch)
John VIII Xiphilin, 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.