The Seal of Constantine VII, Imperial Strator and Kommerkiarios of the West

For this assignment, despite the many choices and objects to choose from, the one that I found most interesting and perhaps most perplexing was the seal of Constantine VII, formally presented as “seal of Constantine Imperial strator and kommerkiarios of the West” on the HAM website. It took me a while to find an object I would have interest writing on. There were numerous coins, belts, and paintings, but the seal of Constantine VII was the object that truly caught me eye. Initially based off appearance, I had assumed it was a coin (should have read the title first…), but saw it was way to thick and bulky looking compared to the other coins I had seen in the museum and on the website. Once I actually read the description, I thought it was a rather interesting and unlike most of the other objects. I noticed that it was described as being made of lead, and wondered how the seal itself was made. Based on what little I know of seals, I knew a lead seal would not be made the same way a wax seal was made. Observing the seal, the obvious likeness of Constantine VII was inscribed on the seal. Writing was on the seal as well, since It is from the Byzantine Empire, I’m going to assume that the language it is written is Latin. Unfortunately, not knowing much of Constantine VII, I am curious as to the rule and reign of this monarch. He is given such a great title, and I am curious as to why such a grandiose and exulted title is given to him. Obviously, he is a king, but knowing the history of the time period, the history of his rule and finding out what is written on the seal exactly (I’m making an educated guess that it is the Imperial strator and Kommerkiarios part listed in the description, but other text is written as well), might reveal to me why such a thing was written on the seal, and for what purpose this king could have used this seal during his reign.