179, Lot: 306. Estimate $100. Sold for $64. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BYZANTINE. Early. Andrew(?), strategos and imperial spatharios. 7th century. PB Seal (24 mm, 10.32 g). Eagle standing facing with wings spread; monogram above / Legend in four lines. Cf. BLS I 592 (for obverse type). Good Fine condition, light orange patina.

Inherited from Rome, the eagle with uplifted wings was a symbol of imperial majesty. It also took on Christian connotations during the Byzantine period, serving as an emblem of John the Evangelist and Christ himself.