Theodora Doukaina Palaiologina. Augusta, 1259-1282. PB Seal (40mm, 46.46 g, 12h). EF.

Keystone 17 – The W. Toliver Besson Collection
Lot: 320. Estimated: $ 1 000

Byzantine, Lead

Sold For $ 1 400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Theodora Doukaina Palaiologina. Augusta, 1259-1282. PB Seal (40mm, 46.46 g, 12h). The Theotokos Platytera, nimbate, seated facing, holding nimbate facing bust of the Holy Infant on lap / ΘЄ/[O]Δω/PA ЄV/ CЄBЄ/(CT)ATH/ (AV)Γ(OV)/(CT)A - Δ(OV)/KAI/NA H/ ΠAΛAI/OΛO/ΓINA in two columnar groups flanking crowned facing figure of Theodora, wearing loros, resting hand on breast and holding jeweled scepter. BLS I 122b; DOCBS 6, 105.2 = BZS.1947.2.370. Tan surfaces, a couple of minor marks. EF. Very rare.

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection.

The Empress Theodora Doukaina Palaiologina was the wife of Emperor Michael VIII, who restored Constantinople to Byzantine rule in 1261 after nearly decades under control of the Latin crusaders. She was born into the influential Doukas clan and was niece to Emperor John III Doukas Vatatzes (1221-1254), who ruled the Nicaean Byzantine exile state in western Anatolia. In 1253 she was married to Michael Pailaiologos, a rising star in the Nicaean military. Michael soon maneuvered his way into becoming regent for the seven-year-old John IV Laskaris (1258-1261), then co-emperor, then sole ruler when he had John IV deposed and blinded in 1261. Theodora thus became empress and was presumably crowned in Constantinople when Michael reclaimed the city in July 1261. The marriage was not a tranquil one: Michael reportedly became enamored of a former empress, the widow of John III, and was preparing to divorce Theodora before being talked out of it by the Patriarch of Constantinople. Theodora seems to have taken little part in her husband's energetic rule of the restored Byzantine state, but was known for her charitable work and support of monasteries.

Closing Date and Time: 22 July 2026 at 11:46:20 ET.



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