Sale: CNG 78, Lot: 1899. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 May 2008.  Sold For $505. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Basil Batatzes. sebastos, circa 1189. PB Seal (19.84 g, 12h). MP ΘV across field; the Theotokos standing facing on circular dais, hands raised in gesture of prayer, with an aureole of the child Christ on her breast / +TAIC T_/ CERACT_ RATA/ TZ HRACIΛI_/ ΓPAΦAI C TO KV/ POC ΠANTANA/ CCA CV ΔIΔ_ in six lines. BLS I 2740; DOCBS -. Good VF, gray patina, minor roughness.

Zacos and Veglery mention a similar seal appended to a document signed by Basil Batatzes and dated August 1189. He held numerous offices under the emperor Isaac II Angelus.