Michael, 2nd half 10th-1st half 11th century. Seal (Lead, 28 mm, 13.55 g, 12 h). +APXI/CTPATI/Γ, ROH/Θ, in four lines, decorations above and flanking the last line. Rev. +CⲰN / ΔOVΛⲰ / MIXA/HΛ in four lines, decorations above and flanking the last line. Unpublished in the standard references. An impressive seal, struck on a large blank. Good very fine.



In the inscription, the seal's owner Michael invokes the archangel Michael as the supreme commander (archistrategos) of the angelic armies, asking him to come to his aid. Although we cannot be certain, we can speculate that Michael was a military commander himself as well.