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\"Lead Papal Bulla of Pope Gregory IX (1227–1241) - Vatican, 13th Century\"
This is a genuinepapal bull lead seal(bulla) from the pontificate ofPope Gregory IX (1227–1241). The obverse depicts the traditional facing busts of the ApostlesSaint Peter and Saint Paul, separated by a patriarchal cross. The legendSPASPE(Sanctus Paulus, Sanctus Petrus) appears above the heads, identifying the apostles. Below Saint Peter is a stylized key, symbolizing the keys to Heaven. The reverse bears the Latin inscriptionGREGORIUS • PP • VIIII,Pontifex Pontificum (Supreme Pontiff). These bullae were attached to official papal documents (like privileges or letters) as a means of authentication and bear significant historical and religious value. The piece shows natural aging and surface wear, consistent with its 12th-century origin, and remains in a remarkable state of preservation.
Obverse:Busts of St Peter and St Paul are each within an inverted pear-shapedcompartment defined by pellets. On the right, St Peter\'s beard and hair areshown to be curly by the use of pellets. On the left, St Paul\'s hair and beardare portrayed as being straight. There is a cross between the busts. The early Fathers of theChurch of Romethe Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, identified bythe an inscription abovethe busts).
Reverse:Inscription GRE/GORIVS/PP VIIII.There is an omega above letters \"PP\" (standing forPastor Pastorum(\"Shepherd ofShepherds\"). A mullet of six points is positioned aboveand below the inscription. Both sides of the bull have a circle of pelletsaround the periphery.
