Pharasmanes Apokapes, patrikios and strategos, 3rd quarter of 11th century. Seal (Lead, 41 mm, 28.50 g, 11 h). [MHP] - ΘV Nimbate Mother of God “Episkepsis”, raising both hands in prayer, medallion of Christ in front of her. Rev. +KЄ R,Θ, / TⲰ CⲰ Δ૪, / [Φ]APACMAN, / ΠPI S CT[PA]/T,Γ, TⲰ [AΠO]/KAΠ[H] in six lines. Gert Boersema Ancient Coins stock no. 6201 (Vcoins 2010). Cf. Leu Web Auction 9, (2019), 1354 and Elam, Matatras and Güler, Pera Museum 10 (patrikios anthypatos). Double struck on an irregular flan, otherwise, good very fine.



Pharasmanes Apokapes, of Armenian heritage, is believed to have been the son of Michael Apokapes and the younger sibling of the renowned general Basileios Apokapes. Historical records identify him as the 'strategos,' or commander, tasked with overseeing a garrison assigned to protect the acropolis of Hierapolis. His appointment by Romanos IV Diogenes was intended to facilitate the settlement of the city by both Roman and Armenian inhabitants (Attaleiates, History 116.9-11 / 88.4-6; cf. PBW "Pharasmanes 101").