BYZANTINE SEALS, Metric. Michael Alethinos, circa 1230-1270. Seal or Bulla (Bronzed lead, 34 mm, 27.55 g, 12 h). Nimbate archangel Michael, with spread wings, standing facing, holding spear. Rev. + NOΩN Φ/EPICTΕ MIXA/HΛ CON OIKETHN/ CYNΩNYMOYN/TA TON AΛHΘI/NON CKEΠE (bravest in the minds of all, Michael, protect your servant with the same name, the Alethinos) in six metric lines within simple linear border. Wassiliou-Seibt, metrischen, 1540. A very unusual metric seal, with an particular unusual invocation to Archangel Michael. Extremely rare seal, known from a photo in Vienna of a seal once in the Zacos collection. Good fine.

The family Alethinos (in Greek = "The real") has been recorded since the 12th century, especially in the area of Smyrna.