Anonymous, 11th century. Seal (Lead, 23 mm, 7.43 g, 12 h). Θ - KOC/MA / Θ / ΔA/M/IA Half-length nimbate busts of Saints Kosmas and Damianos, raising their right hands in blessing, and holding a scroll in their left hands. Rev. Θ / [A]-K[AK]I Nimbate facing bust of Saint Akakios (?), wearing a jeweled chlamys and holding a cross in his right hand before. Unpublished in the standard references. Some marks and striking weakness, otherwise, very fine.


According to hagiographic legend, the brothers Kosmas and Damianos were two Arabian physicians who were martyred in Syria under the emperor Diocletian (but rather confusingly, two other pairs of brothers bearing the same names, but of different origins, were also venerated in the Church). They earned the epithet 'anargyroi' - silverless - because they did not require payment for their services (according to the command of Jesus in Matthew 10:8). There were multiple churches and monasteries dedicated to the saints, but the most important foundation bore the name Kosmidion, located outside the city walls of Constantinopolis, on the Golden Horn.