Uncertain, circa 550-650. Seal (Lead, 20 mm, 6.55 g, 12 h). Mount Calvary: central cross on steps; to left and right, cross. Rev. Uncertain cruciform monogram with Φ at center, ΓOV on top, P to left and C to right. Metcalf, Cyprus I, no. 782 corr. (incorrectly read “Arsaphiou”). Naumann E-Auction 60 (2017), 661. A splendid seal with remarkable iconography. Extremely fine.



The obverse of our seal may well depict the three crosses of Mount Calvary, or Golgotha, where Christ was crucified with two robbers. In Matthew and Mark, they join the crowd in mocking Jesus (Matthew 27:38-44, Mark 15:27-32). Luke is more detailed, and in his account one of the robbers repents, and Jesus assures him of a place in paradise (Luke 23:39-43).