Very rare medieval seal of the city of Verdun

Created during the reign of Louis IX (Saint Louis), born in 1214 and died in 1270, the seal we are offering is extremely rare. No other example of this type has ever been sold. Medieval seals are generally impossible to find on the art market as they have mainly been preserved in public institutions. This is therefore an exceptional opportunity to enhance a collection or cabinet of curiosities with an authentic piece that is remarkably well preserved for its age.

This type of pendant seal was usually affixed to charters of great importance. Although it is not possible to find the original document that once accompanied this specimen, sealed around 1240 or March 1245, it must have been attached to a document of the utmost importance, such as a treaty or seigneurial provision.

To our knowledge, there is only one other similar example of a seal from the city of Verdun, preserved under inventory number 11F897 in the Meuse Departmental Archives. Its condition is not as good as ours, as it has been restored and cracked, with a mark on the reverse that is less clear than on our piece.
The obverse features a circular mark in the center of which stands a small building topped with a cross and surrounded by the Latin inscription “SECRETVM.”

The clearly legible reverse side features a central scene showing the crenellated walls of a city in the foreground, in the center of which stands a cathedral with a central door and two transepts, flanking towers, and two choirs, one rounded and the other flat. The central scene is surrounded by a double border and the partially mutilated Latin inscription “VERDVNVM CIVITAS.”

The seal is modeled around a fragment of a parchment band that was once used to attach it to its charter.

Diameter: 7.3 cm.

Condition: Losses, cracks. Legend on the reverse trimmed. No restorations.

Ref: PNV9SEK1QX