270, Lot: 382. Estimate $100. Sold for $130. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

John. Apo Eparchon, circa 7th-8th centuries. PB Seal (21mm, 12.25 g, 12h). Eagle standing facing, head right, with wings spread; uncertain invocative monogram above / Iω AП/O ЄПAP/XωN/+ in four lines. Good VF, slightly off-center.

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.