Pothos, ostiarios and hebdomarios, 2nd half of 10th-1st half of 11th century. Seal (Lead, 27 mm, 7.80 g, 12 h). KЄ … TⲰ CⲰ … - M/I – X/A ("Lord, help your servant - Michael") Nimbate facing bust of St. Michael, holding scepter in his right hand and globe in his left. Rev. +ΠOΘⲰ / [O]CTIAP, / [KA]I ЄRΔP/MAPIⲰ in four lines, decorations above and below; all within pearled border. Unpublished in the standard references. A beautiful image of the Archangel Michael on a seal of a Byzantine eunuch. Minor corrosion on the obverse and cracked along the channel. Good very fine.


The title of ostiarios, meaning "door-keeper, usher" was a ceremonial dignity for eunuchs at the imperial court. Hebdomarioi were court officials in charge of parts of the imperial palace.