CNG 105, Lot: 1061. Estimate $500. Sold for $525. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Basil II Kamateros. Patriarch of Constantinople, 1183-1186. PB Seal (37mm, 30.98 g, 12h). The Virgin Platytera seated facing, holding the Infant Christ in her lap; barred MP–IC across upper field / RACILEIOC EΛEω/ [ΘV]APXIEΠICKOΠOC/ [KωN](CT)ANTIN(OV)ΠOΛEωC/ NEAC PωMHC K EIO/KOVMENIKOC•/ ΠPIARXHC in six lines. BLS II 28 (same dies). VF, tan-brown patina, slight bend. Rare.

From the Zacos catalog (BLS II, p. 32): “Basil II, Kamateros, also called ‘Phylakopoulos,’ was related to the noble family of the Kamateroi. He started his clerical career when only a youth; he was ordained deacon and subsequently served as chartophylax of Hagia Sophia. He was elevated to the patriarchal throne by Andronikos I, Komnenos and dethroned by Isaakios II, Angelus.”