A uncommon medieval silver seal set with a Roman intaglio of biga — a racing chariot with two horses — has been present in Essex. Primarily based on comparisons to different biga intaglios, the gemstone dates to the late 1st century B.C. or early 1st century A.D. It was set in silver and transformed right into a seal between 1200 and 1400.
The wealthy pink carnelian stone is engraved with two finely detailed horses at trot. They pull a small chariot with a charioteer on the reigns holding an extended whip. The silver bezel across the gemstone is engraved in reverse letters (so it could possibly be learn accurately when stamped) with an inscription studying ‘+SECRETVM . RICARDI’ which accurately interprets to “Richard’s secret” however a extra correct interpretation is “Richard’s personal seal.” This phrasing has been present in different seals from the interval, together with ones set with a reused Roman intaglio.
Seals that had Roman gem stones set in them had been sometimes used as privy or counter-seals relatively than because the official seals meant for administrative paperwork. There’s a vital selection within the high quality of the intaglios. The older ones, like this biga carnelian of Augustan manufacture, had been extra prized, and had been often purchased by individuals of wealth and rank who had them set of their personal seals. More moderen intaglios courting to the 2nd-4th centuries tended to be much less finely crafted items found accidentally by individuals farming the land. The landowner would then have it set in a seal.
This instance was found by a metallic detectorist in Gosfield final September. It has been declared treasure and shall be supplied to an area museum for the assessed worth. If there aren’t any takers, the finder will get to reclaim it.
