Isaakios, imperial protospatharios and epi tou manglabiou, 2nd half 10th-early 11th centuries. Seal (Lead, 22 mm, 6.75 g, 12 h). +KЄ RHΘI TⲰ CⲰ Δ' - O Π/A-N/T, Nimbate bust of St. Pantaleon facing, holding medical instruments. Rev. +ICA/KIⲰ R,A,C/ΠAΘ, S ЄΠI / T૪ MAΓ/ΛAR in five lines. Unpublished in the standard references. A very attractive depiction of the patron saint of doctors on the seal of the chief palace guard. Good very fine.


As ‘epi tou manglabiou’, Isaakios 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.