Basileios, monk and abbot of the Monastery of Mesampelos, 2nd half 11th-1st half 12th century. Seal (Lead, 28 mm, 21.63 g, 12 h). Θ / ΓЄ/ⲰP/Γ, - O / MЄ/C/AM/…Λ Saint George Mesampelites, standing facing, nimbate, holding spear in his right hand, and resting left hand on a shield. Rev. +CΦPA/ΓH, RACHΛ A(X) / S KAΘHΓ૪/MЄNO MO / T, MЄCAM/ΠЄΛ, in six lines. Unpublished in the standard references. Minor doubling, otherwise, very fine.



The Monastery of St. George of Mesampelos ('in the middle of the vineyards') was located on the island of Samos. There is literary evidence of a notable cult of St. George at this site, particularly during the 12th century. For example, the author of a eulogy for Manuel Comnenus (1143–1180) mentions that he traveled there seeking healing for paralysis, where he met Emperor Manuel, who had come for the annual feast in honor of the saint. According to an epigram, Georgios Skylitzes (attested in 1166) possessed a medallion containing myrrh that had flown from the icon of St. George Mesampelites, a treasure likely held at the monastery. The last mention of the institution dates to the end of the 13th century (cf. Janin, Églises II, p. 88).