929. Byzantine Apotropaic Medalette of St George. 12th century AD. Θ ΓΕΟ-Γ-ΙΟ-C, Bust of St George facing, wearing nimbus, tunic, cuirass and sagion, holding spear and shield; to left, W/P; dotted border / Large E C within dotted border. For analogous high Byzantine iconographic style cf. Manuel I Tetarteron, DOC 18; Sear 1975. 4.31g, 17mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.
250
Such medallette’s are of a personal nature and may have been fitted into pendants, oil lamp handles or ornate cross arms, but the high artistic style of this piece might be the product of the imperial mint or workshop. St. George, a Roman soldier of circa AD 275-303, was one of the most popular military saints of the Christian East as one of the fourteen Holy Helpers and the patron of soldiers. It is almost universally accepted that he suffered martyrdom under Diocletian at Diospolis in Palestine in about AD 300-303. All other legends which have grown up around him may safely be regarded as fictitious, including the story of the dragon, which probably originated in Italy in comparatively recent times and has since then been a source of inspiration to artists worldwide. The crusaders certainly gave great impetus to his devotion in the West, as the very model of knighthood. He became the patron saint of many countries and institutions including: Savoy, Portugal, Aragon, Germany, Genoa, Venice and England, where his cult is bound up with British history, traditions and popular myths.
930. Byzantine Lead Seal. Justinian I, AD 537-565. DN IVSTINIANVS PP AV, draped bust of the emperor with halo, wearing crown with pendant and pearls / Victory standing right, holding two wreaths, a cross in each field. Zacos I 3c (beardless var.). 5.79g, 21mm, 6h. 270
931. Byzantine Lead Seal. Phocas, AD 607-609. The Virgin Mary, nimbate, holding Christ; a cross in each field / D N FOCAS PERP AVG, draped and crowned bust of the emperor facing. Zacos I 8 (Var. with d instead of O or D.); for date see MIBE 9. 19.92g, 27mm, 6h. 600
932. Byzantine Lead Seal. Phocas, AD 607-609. The Virgin Mary, nimbate, holding Christ; a cross in each field / D N FOCAS PERP AVG, draped and crowned bust of the emperor facing. Zacos I 8. 20.05g, 29mm, 12h. Finely detailed.
550
933. Byzantine Lead Seal. Heraclius, 616-625 AD. The Virgin, nimbate, holding a medallion of the baby Jesus against her chest; a cross in each field / dd NN hERACLIVS ET HERA CONST A, crowned busts of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine, cross above. Zacos I 12a-d; for date see MIBE 11-20. 15.98g, 26mm, 6h. 400
238