FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Antiquities Discussion Forums => Seals and Tesserae => Topic started by: Predrag R on November 02, 2018, 10:48:16 am

Title: Roman lead seal ID
Post by: Predrag R on November 02, 2018, 10:48:16 am

I'm trying to identify this lead seal. I think the inscription on the left side of the portrait reads VALEN; I can also see another N in front of the face (possibly TIN). Also, if a lead seal bears an emperor's portrait/name, what are the implications? Was it used for some official shipment?

Any help will be much appreciated.
Thank you all in advance!

Title: Re: Roman lead seal ID
Post by: djmacdo on November 02, 2018, 03:45:22 pm

The style is so far off original seals from this era I can only think it is a fake.

Title: Re: Roman lead seal ID
Post by: Predrag R on November 02, 2018, 03:54:23 pm

Could it be an ancient fake? I've looked the object under the microscope, and it does show mineral deposition on the surface.

Title: Re: Roman lead seal ID
Post by: Predrag R on November 02, 2018, 04:37:51 pm

Furthermore, patina does look genuine.

Title: Re: Roman lead seal ID
Post by: djmacdo on November 03, 2018, 02:16:39 pm

I still cannot believe that anything from the early fourth century on a royal seal could be nearly that crude!

Title: Re: Roman lead seal ID
Post by: stultus on November 06, 2018, 03:45:07 pm

I also think it is a fake. The style of the head, the laurel wreath, the lettering, the sharp edge of the perfectly circular field, the sharp edge of the sealing around the stamp suggest it is a modern fake.

Title: Re: Roman lead seal ID
Post by: Gert on November 13, 2018, 05:58:35 am

I agree this is most likely a fake.
Regards
Gert

Title: Re: Roman lead seal ID
Post by: Predrag R on November 13, 2018, 09:05:50 am

Thank you all for looking at this!