PB Byzantine seal of Constantine Bourtzes, patrikios (AD 10th-11th centuries)
Obv: Patriarchal cross (an Χ at the lower crossbar) mounted on three steps and ornamented at its base with fleurons that rise on both sides. Remains of a circular inscription within a dotted border: +Κ(ύρι)ε βο[ήθει τῷ σῷ] δούλῳ.
Rev: Inscription of five lines: Κων[σ]ταντίν(ῳ) πατρικίῳ το Βούρτζῃ. Border of dots.
Translation: Lord, help your servant Constantine Bourtzes, patrikios.
Parallel specimen, Doaks, BZS.1947.2.1027. Cheynet-Vannier, "Les Bourtzès," no. 4 (with commentary, in Etudes prosopographiques, 15–55).
Laurent identifies this Constantine as the son of Michael Bourtzes, the conqueror of Antioch and its first duke. He served under Basil II, but was blinded by Constantine VIII on his accession to the throne.
Weight: 10.17 g.
Diameter: 24.41 mm.