Ares Numismatics
Web Auction 4 23-24 Nov 2019
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Sofianos Niketas (ca 13th cent.) Diam.: mm Weight: 31.86 gr. Condition: Well struck, lightly off-centered
(upwards), a small damage on upper perimeter, otherwise about EF. Attractive brown
natural patina.
Obverse: A large, isosceles Malta-type cross in high relief, inscribed in four corners
with IC/XC/NI/KA = Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς νικᾷ (Jesus Christ wins), all within dotted
border.
Reverse: Inscription in 5 lines: ΤOV ΦΑΝΕ Α/VΤΟC ΚΕΙΡΟΥ Β(ΟΗ)ΘΟ(C)/
ΠΡΑΚΤΕΑ ΤΟΥ CΟΦΙ/ΑΝΟΥ ΝΙΚΗΤΑ Ε/ΡΑCMIΩC = Τοῦ φᾶναι αὐτὸς κυροῦ
βοηθὸς πρακτέα (corr. πρακτέων) τοῦ Σοφιανοῦ Νικήτα ἐρασμίως (To prove to be
helper in love of the deeds [written documents] of Sofianos Niketas).
It must be noted that the inscription on reverse consists of two metric iambic verses,
the first of 13 and the second of 12 syllables. This impressive seal, with initial
provenance Constantinople, in the present data is most probably unique and
unpublished.
Condition: Very Fine
Weight: 23.83gr
Diameter: 36.63mm
From a Private Dutch, Collection.
(upwards), a small damage on upper perimeter, otherwise about EF. Attractive brown
natural patina.
Obverse: A large, isosceles Malta-type cross in high relief, inscribed in four corners
with IC/XC/NI/KA = Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς νικᾷ (Jesus Christ wins), all within dotted
border.
Reverse: Inscription in 5 lines: ΤOV ΦΑΝΕ Α/VΤΟC ΚΕΙΡΟΥ Β(ΟΗ)ΘΟ(C)/
ΠΡΑΚΤΕΑ ΤΟΥ CΟΦΙ/ΑΝΟΥ ΝΙΚΗΤΑ Ε/ΡΑCMIΩC = Τοῦ φᾶναι αὐτὸς κυροῦ
βοηθὸς πρακτέα (corr. πρακτέων) τοῦ Σοφιανοῦ Νικήτα ἐρασμίως (To prove to be
helper in love of the deeds [written documents] of Sofianos Niketas).
It must be noted that the inscription on reverse consists of two metric iambic verses,
the first of 13 and the second of 12 syllables. This impressive seal, with initial
provenance Constantinople, in the present data is most probably unique and
unpublished.
Condition: Very Fine
Weight: 23.83gr
Diameter: 36.63mm
From a Private Dutch, Collection.