Watch List notes:

BYZANTINE SEALS. Michael, Choregetes of the Emperor, circa 11th century. Seal or Bulla (Lead, 26 mm, 11.21 g, 12 h), Imperial palace of Constantinople. MHP - ΘΥ Facing bust of the Virgin Mary, wearing chiton and maphorion and with her hands turned upward before her. Rev. -+- / ΜΙΧΑΗ' / ΧΟΡΗΓΗ/T, TOY BA/CIΛΕΟ' / -+- = Michael choregetes of the emperor in six lines within dotted circle. Apparently unpublished, and with the title of Choregetes also unattested. Fine chocolate patina, and of particularly elegant style, the work of a very capable engraver, steeped in the finest traditions of Comnenian style. Graffito on obverse, otherwise, good very fine.


The Choregetes is a rarely encountered military title, which signified an official who was a quartermaster for the Byzantine army. The owner of this seal, Michael, presumably was in charge of the provisioning of the emperor himself.