Ekdikoi of the Hagia Sophia. Circa 12th century. PB Seal Fragment (31x57mm, 56.72 g, 12h). Near VF.

Electronic Auction 616
Lot: 909.
Closing Date: Sep 2 2026 10:00 ET

Byzantine, Lead

Estimate: $ 100

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Ekdikoi of the Hagia Sophia. Circa 12th century. PB Seal Fragment (31x57mm, 56.72 g, 12h). [The Theotokos, wearing tunic and maphorion] and Justinian I, wearing crown and loros, both nimbate, supporting between them a model of the Hagia Sophia held in both hands; legend downwards between them and around / Legend in six lines; decoration above and below; all within linear frame. BLS II 70. Tan surfaces, halved. Near VF.

The ekdikoi were a college of priests responsible for the administration of holy sites, who additionally carried out a judicial function. In this capacity, accused criminals who sought asylum in churches would be judged by them. The office was established by Justinian I (527-565), but it did not acquire a real presence in the administration of church affairs until later in the 11th century.

Closing Date and Time: 2 September 2026 at 15:02:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.