CNG 108, Lot: 780. Estimate $1000. Sold for $3250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Ekdikoi of the Hagia Sophia. Circa 12th century. PB Seal (56mm, 107.50 g, 12h). The Virgin Mary and Justinian I supporting between them a model of the domed Church of Hagia Sophia; [+VΠЄPAΓ]IA Θ[Є]O-TOKЄ ROHΘЄI around, H/A/[Γ/I]/A C/O/Φ/I/A down central field / – • –/+TOIC ΘЄ/OCЄRЄCTA/TOIC ΠPЄC/RVTЄPOIC/ KAI ЄKKΛH/CЄKΔIK’/– • – in eight lines. BLS II 65. VF, tan-brown patina, some roughness, minor stress crack on reverse.

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.