Crucifixion of Christ as depicted on a rare Byzantine Seal and the 1612 KJB

[Quant.Geek]

The Crucifixion of Christ on a Byzantine seal, is quite rare. Most seals depict either the saints or an image of Christ in benediction. This particular seal was issued by an individual named Leon in the 12th Century.  I also attached the Crucifixion page from the 1612 Roman-Type Quatro King James Bible (H313), for good measure 

Byzantine Empire: Leon (ca. 12 century) Pb Seal (Unpublished)

Obv: The Crucifixion, at the center is the crucified Christ, flanked by the standing Virgin on the left and Saint John the Theologian on the right; flanking Christ's head are the personifications of the sun, at the left, and moon, at the right; inscription - Η|CΤ|ΑЧ - P|O|C|Ι|C (ἡ Σταύροσις / The Crucifixion); all within dotted border
Rev: Saint John Chrysostomos, standing, facial, inprelate's garments, blessing and holding the Book of Gospels; columnar inscription Ⓐ|IШ|O - ☧|CT|M (Ὁ ἁγιος Ἰωάννης ὁ Χρυσόστομος / Saint John the Chrysostomos); circular inscription +KЄR,Θ,ΤШ CШ - ΔɄΛЄΟΝΤΙ (Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Λέοντι / Mother of God, help your servant Leon), all within dotted border
Dim: 25 mm, 13.0g





1612 Edition of the King James Bible, 1st Quarto - The Crucifixion of Christ

This is from the so-called 'HE' edition of the 1612 Roman-Type Quatro KJB (H313).  The 'HE' refers to Ruth 3:15 as the verse was written as:

Also he said, "Bring the veil that thou hast upon thee and hold it." And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her; and he went into the city.

The 'SHE' edition of 1612 has the verse written as:

Also he said, "Bring the veil that thou hast upon thee and hold it." And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her; and she went into the city.

For further information, see Norton, David, A Textual History of the King James Bible, Cambridge University Press, 2005

[Tirant]

Interesting. Not aware of how often was Jesus depicted on the cross on a coin or a seal like this one. While allusions to the cross as a holy symbol are more common, i can't remember seeing any image like this one. Congrats, a very interesting (and seemingly rare!) piece.