CNG 112, Lot: 692. Estimate $500. Sold for $525. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

John Comnenus. Curopalates and domesticos of the Scholai of the Occident, 1057-1067. PB Seal (33mm, 22.21 g, 12h). O/ A/ΓI/O/C down left, Γ/Є/ωP/ΓI/OC down right, St. George, nimbate, holding spear in right hand across his chest and over his shoulder and holding round shield decorated with pellets with left hand / +KЄROHΘ,/ Tω Cω ΔYΛω/ Iω KOPOΠAΛ,T,/S ΔOMЄCTIKω/ TωN CXOΛωN/ THC ΔVCAIOC/ Tω KOMN[H]/–Nω–. BLS I 2681bis a; cf. DOCBS I 1.18. Gray-brown patina, scuff on reverse at edge. Near VF.

John Comnenus was the brother of the emperor Isaac I and the father of the emperor Alexius I. This seal must date to after 1057, when Isaac ascended the throne and elevated John to the rank of curopalates (a title conferred primarily on members of the imperial family). The year he was appointed domesticos of the Scholai of the Occident is uncertain.