The monastery of the Anargyroi of Kosmidion, mid 11th century. Seal (Lead, 25 mm, 14.34 g, 12 h). [KO]C/M - [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. [C]ΦPAΓ, / TωN ANA/[P]ΓVPωN / [T]૪ KOC/MIΔ, in five lines. DO V, 39.1a. Laurent, Corpus V/2, 1145. Seibt/Zarnitz 5.3.7. Zacos II 604. A charming and very interesting piece. Very fine.


According to hagiographic legend, the brothers Kosmas and Damianos were two Arabian physicians who were martyred in Syra 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 fraternal saints, but the most important foundation bore the name Kosmidion, and was located outside the city walls of Constantinopolis, on the Golden Horn.