Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 117 19-20 May 2021
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Nicholas II Chrysoberges. Patriarch of Constantinople, 979-991. PB Seal (44mm, 7.45 g, 12h). ΘKЄ ROHΘЄI Tω Cω ΔOYΛω, the Theotokos Hodegetria standing facing on suppedion, holding Holy Infant; MP ΘV, each with macron above, across field; ring of pellets flanking / – + –/NIKOΛAω/APXIЄПICKO/Пω KωNCTANTI/N(OY)ПOΛЄωC NE/AC PωMNC/– + – (sic) in seven lines. BLS I -; cf. DOCBS 115.1 (attributed to Nicholas I Mystikos); Seyrig -; Vatican 153; Orghidan –; Jordanov –; cf. Triton XI, lot 1145. Brown patina. Near VF. Rare.
Seals of Nicholas I Mystikos and Nicholas II Chrysoberges can be difficult to distinguish, since they share the same name and patriarchal seals of the 9th and 10th centuries regularly feature similar obverse types. The obverse legend, however, differs from seals of Nicholas I in the Zacos and Vatican collections, making an attribution to Nicholas II more likely.
Seals of Nicholas I Mystikos and Nicholas II Chrysoberges can be difficult to distinguish, since they share the same name and patriarchal seals of the 9th and 10th centuries regularly feature similar obverse types. The obverse legend, however, differs from seals of Nicholas I in the Zacos and Vatican collections, making an attribution to Nicholas II more likely.