CNG 84, Lot: 1627. Estimate $300. Sold for $460. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Theodore. Metropolitan of Tarsus, 7th century AD. PB Seal (25mm, 17.90 g, 12h). Facing bust of St. Paulos Apostolos; TAPC/OV in exergue / ΘEOΔωP_ MHTPOΠOΛIT_ in cruciform monogram. BLS I 2965a. VF, dusty earthen and gray patina, scrape on reverse.

A seal similar to this has been assigned to the metropolitan of Tarsos named Theodore who participated in the Sixth Ecumenical Council held in Constantinople in 680-1. The purpose of the council was to settle the controversy over Monotheletism, a theological movement that was intended to serve as a compromise between Orthodox Christians and Monophysites but which ultimately resulted in further quarreling.