Presentation of the Hagia Sophia

CNG 99, Lot: 871. Estimate $3000. Sold for $8000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Ekdikoi of the Hagia Sophia. Circa 12th century. PB Seal (55mm, 93.01 g, 12h). [+Y]ΠЄPΓIA ΘЄOTOKЄ POHΘЄI, the Virgin Mary standing right and Justinian I standing left, both with heads facing, supporting between them a model of the Hagia Sophia with a disproportionately large dome surmounted by cross; H/A/Γ/I/A/ C/O/Φ/I/A above and below model, C–Φ across field / +TOIC ΘЄ/OCERCETA(sic)/ TOIC ΠPЄC/RVTЄPOIC/ KAI ЄKKΔΛH/CЄKΔIC in six lines; – • – above and below. BLS II 63. EF, brown patina. Exceptional condition. A highly impressive piece.

From the Prue Morgan Fitts Collection. Ex Triton V (25 January 2002), lot 2304.