Medieval seal with Roman chariot intaglio found in Essex

"A rare medieval silver seal set with a Roman intaglio of biga a racing chariot with two horses has been found in Essex. Based on comparisons to other biga intaglios, the gemstone dates to the late 1st century B.C. or early 1st century A.D. It was set in silver and converted into a seal between 1200 and 1400. The rich red carnelian stone is engraved with two finely detailed horses at trot."

"The silver bezel around the gemstone is engraved in reverse letters (so it could be read correctly when stamped) with an inscription reading +SECRETVM . RICARDI' which literally translates to Richard's secret but a more accurate interpretation is Richard's private seal. This phrasing has been found in other seals from the period, including ones set with a reused Roman intaglio. Seals that had Roman gemstones set in them were typically used as privy or counter-seals rather than as the official seals intended for administrative documents."

A rare medieval silver seal set with a Roman intaglio of a biga has been found in Essex. The gemstone dates to the late 1st century B.C. or early 1st century A.D. and was set in silver and converted into a seal between 1200 and 1400. The red carnelian is engraved with two finely detailed horses at trot pulling a small chariot with a charioteer holding a long whip. The silver bezel bears a reversed inscription reading +SECRETVM . RICARDI', interpreted as Richard's private seal. Reused Roman gemstones were typically used as privy or counter-seals. The object was discovered by a metal detectorist in Gosfield, declared treasure, and will be offered to a local museum for the assessed value.

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