Aposachles Senachereim. Kuropalates, circa 1071-1081. PB Seal (28.5mm, 17.91 g, 12h). Good VF.

Electronic Auction 563
Lot: 1029. Estimated: $ 300

Byzantine, Lead

Sold For $ 850. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Aposachles Senachereim. Kuropalates, circa 1071-1081. PB Seal (28.5mm, 17.91 g, 12h). Full length figures of Sts. Demetrius and Theodore, both standing on suppedion and raising both hands in adoration to nimbate facing bust of Christ above / • – [•]/ + KЄR Θ/ Tω Cω Δ[(OV)]/ AΠO SAX[ΛH]/ K(OV)PΠAΛ[A]/T (OV) CHN/•XЄRM• in seven lines. W. Seibt, "The sons of Senek'erim Yovhannes, the last king of Vaspurakan," in Revue des études arméniennes 37 (2016-17), pp. 119-133, Fig. 4; Zacos Collection (Spink London 132, 25 May 1999), lot 121. Gray patina. Good VF. Extremely rare. Other examples include, Vienna, ex Zacos Collection (Spink London 132), and Leu Web 20, 3142. An excellent example, superior to the Zacos and Leu examples (the latter of which hammered for 2800 CHF) and in similar condition to the Vienna specimen.

The independent state of Yaspurakan lost its autonomy to the Byzantines in 1022 when it was absorbed and made a duchy to serve as a buffer state to the encroaching Seljuq advances. The descendants of final king Senek ‘erim Yovhannes were absorbed into the Byzantine bureaucracy and served in various offices. Attested to from contemporary sources, Aposachles was the third son of the former king and is known from seals in three capacities: serving as a Proedros, Kuropalates, and Nobellisimos. This seal is likely the fourth known example of Aposachles as Kuropalates and offers a rare opportunity to acquire an excellent example of this interesting historical figure.

Closing Date and Time: 5 June 2024 at 15:42:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.