Agate gem in medieval seal matrix: Octavian

PP-ID:

PP-5923

Classification:

seal matrix; gem, non-specified; all jewellery

Collection:

Private collections

Collection Inventory:

PAS ID: SUR-36D8C9

Material:

agate, green to grey; silver

Dimensions:

seal matrix: 21.5 ×18.8 mm (seal die); 21.5 mm (reverse with handle); gem: 12.5 × 9 mm

Date:

seal matrix: late 13th – early 14th century AD; gem: late 1st century BC

Iconography:

bust; cap

Provenience:

Bratton Seymour, Somerset

Seal matrix
Rounded oval seal matrix with a pedestal type handle surmounted by a quatrefoil. There is a gem in the centre, surrounded by an inscription. The back of the die has a small cross-shaped orientation mark. Complete; the handle is slightly bent. There is a linear scratch across the back of the die on the upper right side.
Seal legend: +S’IOhANNIS·DE·WIkE → S(igillum) Iohannis de Wike. ‘Seal of John de Wike'.

Gem
Upright oval agate intaglio. Bust of a young Octavian with a petasos on his head in profile, facing right. Complete and well preserved.

Selected bibliography
• Henig–Cherry 2021 >>.

Further resources on PP-5923
• Portable Antiquities Scheme Database

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Last modified:

2025.09.07 15:54:57

Permalink:

https://phoinixplatform.org/object/5923

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