CNG 99, Lot: 852. Estimate $1000. Sold for $600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Niketas. Chartophylax, circa 1050-1100. PB Seal (32mm, 20.44 g, 12h). Bust of the Virgin Mary facing slightly right, holding Holy Infant; MP–ΘV across field / +NIKH/TAN AΓNH/ XAPTOΦV/ΛAKO CKЄ/ΠOIC in five lines. BLS II 647. Good VF, attractive tan patina.

From the Prue Morgan Fitts Collection.

A chartophylax was among the esteemed exokatakoiloi, the five or six principal officials serving the patriarch. We might think of this official as a chancellor, serving as head of correspondence, as archivist and as notary.