Sale: CNG 72, Lot: 2151. Estimate $1500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 June 2006.  Sold For $1650. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

The Ekdikoi of Hagia Sophia. 11th century. PB Bulla-Seal (148.44 g, 12h). The Theotokos and Justinian I, nimbate and wearing crown and loros, holding model of the Hagia Sophia between them / , [TOI]C QEO/[CER]ECTA/[T]OIC PPEC/[BVT]EPOIC/KAI EKKL'H/CE KDIK in six lines across fields; —(rosette of seven pellets)—above. Zacos II 70. VF, gray patina with scattered encrustation, straight edge as made, scrapes on reverse and edge.

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.