This lead sealing of the Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos is of great historical significance. The obverse depicts the emperor in a frontal position holding an icon of the Virgin and Child over his head within a medallion. The inscription mentions his full name, including his distinctive title 'new Constantine'. The back bears an eight-line inscription, which reproaches severely those who disregarded the decisions of the Secreton (high court). This may be in connection with the Council of Lyon and the Union of the Churches (AD 1274), which Michael, who is also called 'the miracle of kings', fervently supported.