Watch List notes:

Johannes, imperial ostiarios and episkeptites, 10th century. Seal (Lead, 18 mm, 3.64 g, 11 h). Tω Cω ΔOVΛω IωA, Monogram K(VP)IЄ Rω(H)ΘЄI with pearls in fields ('Lord, help your servant Johannes'). Rev. +R OC|THAPHω / S EΠHC/KEVTH ('imperial ostiarios and episkeptites') in four lines. Unpublished in the standard references. An attractive late monogram seal. Good very fine.


The title 'ostiarios', meaning 'door-keeper, usher', was a ceremonial dignity for eunuchs at the imperial court.