Johannes Komnenos, second half 12th century-early 13th century. Seal (Lead, 36 mm, 26.17 g, 12 h). Θ/ЄO/ΔⲰ/POC - [O] / CTP... Saint Theodore Stratelates, nimbate, standing facing, holding a spear in his right hand, and resting his left hand on shield. Rev. [M]APTVC / [CKЄ]ΠOIC MЄ / [K]OMNHNON / [I]ⲰANNHN ("Martyr, may you protect me, Johannes Komnenos") in four lines, cross above. Unpublished in the standard references. Pierced four times and somewhat rough, otherwise, very fine.



A similar legend appears on a seal that can be firmly dated to the early 12th century, but our specimen is evidently later. It may have belonged to the son of Emperor Andronikos I Komnenos, and thus date to the period before he became co-emperor with his father (1183–1185). However, it could also have belonged to another scion of this illustrious noble and imperial family.