12th-13th century AD. An Imperial bulla with Virgin Mary on the obverse wearing a maphorion mantle over a long robe, and Justinian the Great wearing the imperial insignia, crown with prependoulia and loros-costume, holding a model of the Holy Church of Hagia Sophia between them, both nimbate, legend on the reverse '+???? ?????????????? ???????????? ??? ??????????????' (for the Venerable by God Presbyters and Ecclesiastics"). See Zacos, G. & Nesbitt, J.W., Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 2, Bern, 1984, n.63.105 grams, 58mm (2"). From a European collection, acquired before 1980. This fine seal is a seal of the Ekdikoi (legal councillors) of the cathedral basilica of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. The loros-costume of the emperor is named after its most distinctive element, a very long scarf embroidered with gold and encrusted with pearls and jewels, draped around the torso. The Byzantine imperial Ioros had developed out of the trabea triumphalis, the purple toga embroidered with gold, which was worn by the Roman consuls when attended the games or participated in triumphal processions. [No Reserve]