Watch List notes:

Byzantine Bilateral PB Seal in the name of Michael Bourtzes, magistros, vestes and strategos of the Anatolikoi. AD 1030-1060. [⧾] ΚЄRΟΗ ΘЄΙΤѠCѠ [Δ]OVΛѠΜΙ [Χ]ΑHΛΜΑ [Γ]ΙCΤΡѠ in five lines, ornament above; all within border of dots / R[ЄCΤ]Η SCΤΡΑΤΗ ΓѠΤѠΝΑΝ[Α] [Τ]ΟΛΙΚ,TѠ [B]OVΡTZ[H] in five lines, ornament above; all within border of dots. Translation: Lord, help your servant Michael Bourtzes, magistros, vestes and strategos of the Anatolikoi. Cf. Zacos I.F.E.B. 167 & 155 (Pl.1, 3-4), where Michael is named as vestarches as well. 24.68g, 27mm, 12h.

Condition as seen.

'In 1056, having become a vestes, Michael Bourtzes was one of the army chiefs who came to demand promotion from the new emperor Michael VI. Disappointed in his expectations, the following year, together with those of his colleagues who had properties in the theme of the Anatolikoi, Roman Skleros, Nicephore Botaneiates, the sons of Basil Argyros, he approached Isaac Comnenus to urge him to revolt. He did not play a prominent role in the decisive battle at Nicaea, unlike his colleagues mentioned above. He benefited from Isaac's victory, however, as he was subsequently promoted to magistros and appointed to head the theme of the Anatolikoi.' (Cheynet, "La Famille Bourtzès" 8).