Church of Hagia Sophia

CNG 93, Lot: 1409. Estimate $5000. Sold for $4500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Ekdikoi of Hagia Sophia. 13th century. PB Seal (69mm, 149.25 g, 12h). I(ligate OV)(ligateCT)INIANOC ΔЄС[П] down left field, ΘKЄ (with – above) ROHΘЄI up left , Justinian I and the Theotokos standing facing, holding between them a model of the Church of Hagia Sophia containing patriarchal cross; H/A ΓI/A above model, C/O/Φ/I/A below / +TOIC ΘЄO/CЄRЄCTA/TOIC ΠPЄC/RVTЄPOIC/ KAI ЄKK[Λ]H/C ЄKΔIKH) in six lines; –– • –– below. BLS II 69c; cf. Zacos II 207 (for type). VF, brown patina, small dig on reverse. An attractive example.

The ekdikoi were a college of priests responsible for the administration of holy sites, and had a further judicial function, in that accused criminals who sought asylum in churches would be judged by them. The office was established by Justinian I, but did not acquire a real presence in the administration of church affairs until the 11th century.