Hi, all. Here is a poorly preserved lead seal with a beautiful Hippocampus and I am not sure what else. I almost gave up on it, literally about to toss it in the trash, as the
face just seemed to have nothing but illegible remnants of
inscription (see before photo). After carefully removing some
grains of sand and encrustation, I soaked it in clear mineral oil for a few minutes to even out the color of the
patina. Suddenly the figure of the hippocampus jumped out at me! There seems to be something above it, and also some kind of image on the
reverse, but I can not decipher anything. Any ideas, corrections, or references would be appreciated. I have seen some
tesserae with similar images, but so far only one seal, from the site of the Arbeia South Shields'
Roman Fort, with very little information about it (see photo below). Thanks, as always, Jimi
BCC LSR30
Roman Lead Seal
Caesarea Maritima
1st-4th Century CE
Obv: Roughly rectangular, thick lead
seal with Hippocampus to left. Uncertain
design, possibly wings?, above.
Rev: Uncertain design, or blank.
Pb18.5 x 13 x 6mm. 5.07gm.
Axis:0?
Surface find
Caesarea Maritima, 1970's
(click for larger pics)
