Basilakes (Armenian Vasilig), magistros and vestarches, second half 11th century. Seal (Lead, 22 mm, 9.72 g, 11 h). MHP - ΘV Nimbate Mother of God seated on a high-backed throne, holding medallion of Christ on her chest. Rev. +ΘKЄ R,Θ, / TⲰ CⲰ Δ૪Λ / RACIΛAKH / MAΓICTPⲰ / RECTAPX / … in six lines. Unpublished in the standard references. Some edge faults, otherwise, fine.


The last line of this seal, which likely held the family name, is obscured. However, it is very tempting to attribute this seal to Basilakes Phloros, the father of the later usurper, Nikephoros Basilakes. His seal as vestes and katepano of Kars and Iberia appeared in the second Zacos sale (no. 119) and it featured similar iconography on the obverse.