Papal bulla of Honorius IV

The detectorist who unearthed the find pictured here wished to remain anonymous. It is 35mm in diameter, made of lead and I was told that it turned up in the middle of crop field.

This find is a Papal bulla of Honorius IV, who was Pope from 1285 to 1287. A lead bulla like this one would be attached to a document issued by a Pope. On one side are the heads of St. Paul and St. Peter with SPA and SPE above. On the other side, in three lines, is hOnO RIVS PP IIII.

Items like this turn up fairly regularly as detecting finds. This highlights the fact that over many centuries Popes were in regular contact with the Church authorities in England. However, communication ceased with the Disillusion of the Monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII.

Valuation

This bulla looks to be in Fine condition but the surfaces on both sides appear to be dirty. Honorius IV was in office for a short period so a bulla bearing his name is quite rare. I’d suggest a minimum price of £100 but it might sell for more if a couple of specialist collectors entered into a bidding battle for it.

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