N., patrikios anthypatos, vestes and ..., mid 11th century. Seal (Lead, 32 mm, 11.00 g, 12 h). Nimbate Theotokos 'Nikopoios', holding medallion of Christ with both hands; to right, large countermark 'B'. Rev. [+K]Є R,[Θ,] / ...A Π[PI / AN]ΘVΠ[AT S R]ЄCT.../...NA... in five lines. For the countermark, see Cheynet, "Les sceaux byzantins de Londres" in SBS 8, p. 85-100 & RAAP-rapport 2952, "Zoeken naar Zandwijk", p. 92-93 and 145-146. Obliterated fields due to the countermarking, otherwise, good very fine.


This seal was countermarked with a pair of pincers with one side inscribed with a large letter B. This countermark is, interestingly enough, found on a group of seals found in Britain and on a seal found in Tiel in the Netherlands. Cheynet suggested that the B refers to the bestiarion, a financial department in the capital, which countermarked the seal of the official requesting the funds whenever a large sum of money was to be produced. Indeed, there is a seal type of the bestiarion with a large B on the obverse (Zacos/Veglery 569), but it is significantly older than the countermarked seals. In any case, it is worth noting that all the known find spots of seals with this countermark are from outside the borders of the empire, which indicates a connection to diplomacy, tribute or trade.