Michael, hypatos, krites of the Hippodrome and of Anatolikon, 11th century. Seal (Lead, 31 mm, 17.11 g, 12 h). [MHP] - ΘV Nimbate Theotokos, both hands half-raised before chest, palms outward; shoulders decorated with pearled crosses. Rev. ЄΠI T, IΠΠOΔPO / KP,THC MI/XHΛ VΠA/TOC S T, AN/TOLIK’ ('Of the Hippodrome, judge, Michael, hypatos, and of Anatolikon') in six lines. DO III 86.30 corr. The obverse struck somewhat off center, otherwise, good very fine.

On the Dumbarton Oaks example, the first line is tentatively read TOV, while our seal apparently reads ЄΠI T(OV). The reverse legend is very peculiarly phrased for a non-metrical seal of the 11th century, dividing the judicial offices and placing the personal name not at the start of the legend but in the middle. Our Michael bore the modest court dignity of hypatos and held two judicial offices: in the capital he was a judge of the Hippodrome, and he was also judge of the province (theme) of Anatolikon.