Basileios (Apokapes?), protokouropalates and doux, late 11th century. Seal (Lead, 23 mm, 12.93 g, 12 h). Θ - [R]A/C/I Bust of Saint Basil facing, nimbate, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left. Rev. +KЄ ROHΘ, / RACIΛ... / AKOVPOΠ /S ΔOVKA / ... in five lines. Unpublished in the standard references. Struck somewhat off center, otherwise, very fine.


The image of St. Basil on the obverse of this seal is very similar to seals of Basileios Apokapes as doux of Edessa. However, the court dignity of protokouropalates seems to be unattested for him. Unfortunately, the last line of our seal, the place where the family name would be expected, is obscured.