Sale: Triton VIII, Lot: 1453. Estimate $1500.  Closing Date: Monday, 10 January 2005.  Sold For $1500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

The Ekdikoi of Hagia Sophia.11th century. PB Bulla ­ Seal (148.44 gm, 12h). QKE BOHQEI I_STINIANO DECPOT_, Justinian, nimbate, standing right, wearing crown and ornamented loros, handing model of Hagia Sophia to the Virgin Mary, nimbate, standing half-right, HAGIA COFIA in center / -*- TOIC QEO [CER]ECTA [T]OIC PPEC [RVT]EPOIC KAI EKKL'H CE KDIK. Zacos II 70. VF, gray patina with scattered encrustation, edge broken. ($1500)

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.