Aristanetos seal of the day

[Gert]

The style of this portrait of a slightly balding middle-aged man with sideburns suggests a date in the early 4th century. It is the personal seal of a man called Aristanetos, as the Greek genitive legend indicates.
In late Roman and early Byzantine times there are many personal seals that feature the portrait of the owner. Many of them are not known from other sources (I still have to check this Aristanetos), but I think these named portraits of individuals who must have held high ranks in their day are fascinating.
19.5mm; 10.02g; conical shape
Regards
Gert

[Randygeki(h2)]

thats pretty neat

[Mark Z]

Was this used to seal something like a letter using wax?

mz

[kc]

Really nice portrait.
I have heard that lead seals were used to shut money bags. The portrait shows the owner as Gert has already said. Although it is a private seal, I think all the men (also women???) who are shown on such seals, have been influential and rich persons.


Best Regards

kc

[gb29400]

really nice, congrats