CERTIFIED Antiquity Byzantine Crusader Lead Seal Jesus and Virgin Mary 1100AD For Sale

As with all items in this collection, this artifact is certified authentic and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance, detailing typology, dating, region, and collection history.

Byzantine Crusader Lead Seal Jesus and Virgin Mary 1100AD Authentic Antiquity

Authenticity Notice
Guaranteed authentic medieval lead seal. Acquired from an old European collection. A certificate of authenticity will be included with purchase.

Details
Culture: Byzantine Christian / Crusader period
Date: Circa 11th–12th century AD
Material: Lead
Type: Seal (bulla)
Size: 22 mm
Condition: Complete with strong devices

Overview
This medieval lead seal depicts sacred Christian imagery associated with the Byzantine and Crusader worlds. One side shows a frontal holy figure identified as Jesus Christ, while the opposing side features the Virgin Mary in devotional form. Seals of this type were used to authenticate documents, correspondence, or ecclesiastical property and reflect the deep religious identity of the medieval Eastern Christian world during the Crusader era.

Authenticity Check
The seal exhibits correct medieval lead fabric, strike weakness, edge irregularities, and surface oxidation consistent with genuine period use and burial. Iconography, fabric, and wear match documented Byzantine and Crusader-era lead bullae. No modern casting or tooling is present.

Comparable Examples
Comparable Christ and Virgin Mary seals are preserved in museum and institutional collections such as the Dumbarton Oaks Collection and the British Museum, catalogued as Byzantine ecclesiastical lead seals.

Further Reading
Zacos & Veglery, Byzantine Lead Seals
Dumbarton Oaks Byzantine Collection
British Museum Collection Online

Condition
Very fine for type. Devices remain clearly visible with natural wear and surface corrosion consistent with age.

5-1