Maria, protospatharia, 2nd half of 10th-1st half of 11th century. Seal (Lead, 26 mm, 10.38 g, 12 h). +KЄ ROHΘ, TⲰ CⲰ Δ૪ΛⲰ ('Lord, help your servant') - MHP - ΘV The Mother of God “Nikopoios”, nimbate, holding medallion of Christ with both hands. Rev. +ΘKЄ R/OHΘЄI T/H CH Δ’ MA/PIA ACΠ/AΘAP ('Mother of God, help your servant Maria, protospatharia') in five lines. Cf. Zacos II 568 (same reverse legend, but a Mother of God "Hodegetria" on the obverse). Very fine.



Maria was married to a husband who bore the rank of protospatharios. It is curious that the invocation on the obverse is in the masculine. Perhaps the die was re-used.