Watch List notes:

BYZANTINE SEALS, Imperial Court. Constantine Doukas Komnenos Palaiologos, despotes, circa 13th-14th century. Seal or Bulla (Lead, 33 mm, 25.01 g, 12 h), Constantinople. +KΩ/ΝCTA/N/TIN/OC ΔEC/ΠOTH/C ΠOP/ΦΥΡ/Ο - ΓΕΝΝ/ΗΤΟC /ΔΟΥΚΑC / ΚΟΜΝΗ/ΝΟC Ο ΠΑ/ΛΑΙΟΛΟ/ΓOC "Constantine, Despotes, born in the purple, Doukas Komnenos Palaiologos" Constantine, standing facing, wearing ornate jewelled crown with pendilia and rich royal garb, while holding a jewelled scepter with his right hand; the whole within a border of dots. Rev. + CΦΡΑΓΙC / Ο ΧC ΚΑΙ ΦΥΛΑΚΤ/ΗΡ ΚΑΙ CΚΕΠΗ ΑΝΑ/ΚΤΟΠΑΙΔΟC ΔΕCΠΟ/ΤΟY ΚΩΝCΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥ / ΚΑΙ ΠΟΡΦYΡΑΝΘΟΥ/C ΔΟYΚΑ ΠΑΛΑΙ/ΟΛΟΓΟΥ "Christ is the seal and the guardian and the protector of the despotes Constantine Doukas Palaiologos, son of the emperor and issue of the royal seed." in eight lines within a border of dots. Laurant, metrique, 424. Zacos, 2758b = DO BZS.1948.17.4293. Wassiliou-Seibt, 2698a (same boulloterion). An impressive and historic seal. Very fine.


There were two Constantines who are known to have been born in the purple during the late Byzantine period. The first was the third son of Michael VIII Palaiologos, but he never received the title of "Despotes". The second, who is most likely the issuer of this seal, was the son of Andronikos II Palaiologos (1282-1328). According to Pachymeres the prince was given the title of "Despotes", which is exactly what we read on this seal.