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

Electronic Auction 563
Lot: 1029.
Closing Date: Jun 5 2024 10:00 ET

Byzantine, Lead

Estimate: $ 300

BID NOW

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. The third known example, the other two of which are in Vienna and ex Zacos Collection (Spink London 132) respectively. An excellent example, superior to the Zacos example 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 the third known example of Aposachles as Kuropalates. This seal offers a rare opportunity to acquire an example of Aposachles as kuropalates as the last example came to the market just over 25 years ago.

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

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