Red jasper gem in medieval seal matrix: Bust of Antoninus Pius

PP-ID:

PP-5904

Classification:

seal matrix; pendant; gem, non-specified

Collection ID:

UK-BM-BEP_2006,1004.1

Collection:

London, British Museum

Collection Inventory:

2006,1004.1

Material:

jasper, red; silver

Dimensions:

pendant: 25.92 × 19.46 × 5.04

Date:

pendant: 13th–14th century; gem: 150–160 AD

Iconography:

bust; wreath; male figure

Provenience:

Swanley, Kent

Seal matrix
Rounded oval silver pendant with an intaglio in the centre, surrounded by an inscription. A suspension loop is fixed to the top of the reverse. The border of the back is framed with an incised outline. Complete and well preserved.
+PONITE:LITERAS:ISTAS:INSIGL:SILLV:SECRT → 'Place your letter under a secret seal' (trans. Cherry–Henig 2018, 107).

Gem
Upright oval red jasper intaglio. Bust of bearded Antoninus Pius (reigned 138–161 AD ) in profile, facing right, wearing a laurel wreath with two long fillets extending down his neck. Complete and well preserved.

Selected bibliography
• Henig 2008 >>, 27–28, fig. 3.
• Cherry–Henig 2018 >>, 107.

Further resources on PP-5904
• Portable Antiquities Scheme Database
• The British Museum Collection online

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Last modified:

2025.10.22 16:00:40

Permalink:

https://phoinixplatform.org/object/5904

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