Byzantine lead seal of Theodoros (ca 12th cent.)
A seal with unusual and interesting inscriptions!
Condition: Some earth deposits, slightly off-centered, otherwise VF/F. Nice natural patina.
Obverse: Inscription in 6 lines, all within a dotted border: [+] Χ(ΡΙCΤ)Ε Ο Θ(ΕΟ)C/ΗΜΟΝ ΗC/[C]Ε ΕΛΠΙΖΟΝ/ΟΥΚ ΑΠΟ/ΤΥΧΓΑ/Ν(Ω) = + Χριστέ, ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, εἰς σὲ ἐλπίζων, οὐκ ἀποτυγχάνω (Christ, our God, hoping to you I do not fail).
Reverse: Inscription in 6 lines, following a decorative pattern and a cross, all within a dotted border: + ΑΓΙΕ/ΝΙΚΟΛ(ΑΕ) Β(ΟΗ)Θ(ΕΙ)/ΤΩΝ ΔΟΥΛ(ΟΝ) [CΟΥ]/ΘΕΟΔΩΡ(ΟΝ)/Γ...CAΛ/.. = + Ἅγιε Νικόλαε, βοήθει τὸν δοῦλόν σου Θεόδωρον... (Saint Nicholaos, help your servant Theodoros...).
A clearly inscriptional seal, with prayer invocations both to Jesus Christ and saint Nicholaos of Myrra.
Weight: 9.33 gr - Diameter: 23 mm