Near East, Byzantine Period, ca. 4th to 8th century CE. This is a fine pair of leaded-bronze and brass stamp seals surmounted by a loop for suspension. The stamp faces are incised with figural and character markings with Christian themes. The leaded-bronze stamp has a conical base and a circular stamp face with a Greek inscription in two lines above a linear fish shape. The other stamp is cast from brass has a pyramidal profile and square base that is incised with a forward-facing bust of Christ or a saint that is highly stylized. Stamps like these were used to authenticate documents and religious mandates and to ensure that forgeries of the documents could not be produced. Size: 0.35" W x 0.85" H (0.9 cm x 2.2 cm)
Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000
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#158066
Condition
Minor nicks to peripheries. Both are intact with dark patina and light mineral deposits.