Watch List notes:

Staurakios, imperial protospatharios and epi tou manglabiou, 10th century. Seal (Lead, 25 mm, 12.00 g, 12 h). +KЄ RO...Δ Eagle with spread wings standing facing, head to right. Rev. +[C]TAVP/[AKI]OC RACI/ΛIKOC Π.../CΠAΘAPIOC / S ЄΠI T૪ MA/[Γ]ΓARI૪ in six lines. Unpublished in the standard references. Some flatness, otherwise, very fine.


From a European collection, acquired before 2021.

As 'epi tou manglabiou', Staurakios was the commander of the imperial guard of the 'manglabitai' ('club-bearers') and thus a very important and influential figure at the imperial court due to his proximity to the emperor.