Byzantine seal, Niketas Anzas, ca. 2nd half of the 12th century
AU(50-53) - Lead
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.
Nimbate and draped half length bust of the Virgin Mary, facing slightly to right, presenting the youthful Christ on her left, nimbate, holding an akakia and rising his right hand in benediction.
Legend in seven lines within a border of dots.
Niketas Anzas, patrikios and dikaspolos of the theme of Boleron. Apparently unpublished. Beautiful and very rare seal, well preserved even if part of the border has disapeared, the text on the reverse is entirely readable. Nice representation of the Virgin with a teenage Jesus and not a baby.
ΦΡΟΥΡ, / ΤΟΝ ΑΝΖΑΝ ΠPI NIKHTA / TON TOY ΘΕΜΑ / TOC BOΛΕΡ, / ΔΙΚΑCΠO / ΛΟΝ
18.56 gr
An “AU(50-53)” 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:
About Uncirculated(50-53)
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 displays sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. The number (50-53) indicates that at least half of the original luster remains. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
You might be wondering why there are different ranges of numbers behind the same abbreviation. Well, we’ll explain:
The numbers are subdivisions within a category, showing that the state of conversation is the same but coins may be at the higher or lower end of the scale. In the case of AU, the range (55-58) indicates that the luster is better preserved in than a similar coin described as (50-53).