Byzantine Seals: Hagia Sophia Seal, late 11th-12th century. Seal (lead, 65 mm, 153.83 g). I૪V CT INIAN ΔЄC (left) ΘKЄ - ΠO/TH (top) ROHΘЄI (right) HA/ΓIA COΦIA (vertically in the center) ("Emperor Justinian. O Mother of God, help me..."). The Mother of God, on the left, is surrounded by a halo, and Emperor Justinian I, on the right, is surrounded by a halo, both wearing lorus, and each holding Hagia Sophia between them. Rev. +TOIC ΘEO/CERECTA/TOIC ΠPEC/RVTЄPOIC / KAI EKKΛH/CЄKΔIK ("...the most pious priests and the most pious members of the Church") in six lines with decorations at the top. Sternberg XIX (1987), 1016. Zachos II 70. An extremely rare piece of great historical importance. A beautiful, large, and exceptionally heavy seal. There is a slight duplication on the obverse, otherwise it is in excellent condition. Hagia Sophia is the largest, best-preserved, and most famous Byzantine church of all time. Commissioned by Justinian I (527–565), its architects, Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles, explored the limits of what was possible in ancient architecture, creating the largest interior space in the world and the first fully suspended dome. Over nearly 1,500 years of renovations and political upheavals—notably the numerous restorations following earthquake damage and the addition of four towering minarets after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453—the building has changed dramatically from its original state at its completion in 537. Yet this magnificent architectural marvel retains its beauty and grandeur, still boasting the fifth-largest church dome in the world. This majestic seal depicts the Virgin Mary and Emperor Justinian I holding Hagia Sophia. It was minted in the late 11th or early 12th century in the name of the priests who formed the patriarchal court, known as the Ekdikoy or Eklisekdikoy. Presided over by the Protekdikos, their sessions were held in Hagia Sophia. Traditionally, their seals were made in large sizes, allowing seal makers to produce intricate and stunning icons. This magnificent piece was made on a large disc and is one of the heaviest and largest Byzantine seals ever made. Extremely rare piece in excellent condition. Acquired in 2025 from Demeter Coins Falk Zünkler in Germany. Provenance: The piece was formerly part of a private collection in Spain, having been acquired in 1987 from an antiquities dealer or gallery. This rare piece is accompanied by the original purchase invoice and a certificate of authenticity.