FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Antiquities Discussion Forums => Seals and Tesserae => Topic started by: Joe Sermarini on April 21, 2021, 04:22:17 pm

Title: Lead Bulla Seal of Leo I and Leo II?
Post by: Joe Sermarini on April 21, 2021, 04:22:17 pm

Is this a lead bulla Seal of Leo I and Leo II?

Eastern Roman Empire
Leo I and Leo II
Joint reign, 18 Nov 473 - Nov 474 A.D.
2.229g, 12.1mm
Obverse: two facing busts, cross above center
Reverse: monogram of Leo I (as seen on reverse of his bronze nummi, RIC X 681 - 693)

Or perhaps it is the empress Verina?

Any references or other specimens known?

Thanks,
Joe

Title: Re: Lead Bulla Seal of Leo I and Leo II?
Post by: Joe Sermarini on April 23, 2021, 02:00:58 pm

Bump

Title: Re: Lead Bulla Seal of Leo I and Leo II?
Post by: Gert on April 24, 2021, 01:08:49 pm

Interesting seal, Joe. I can't remember having seen a similar example. You can find the seal of Zeno on Acsearch, which is quite different in style, more resembling a type of Anastasius.

There are also some problems with the reading of the monogram as Leo. You would have to assume some damage at the bottom right (where C or E would be). Yet I would still say that your attribution is plausible. Hard to say if it's two emperors (Leo I and II) or an imperial couple, like Leo and Verina.
Regards
Gert