The Great Seal of Philip IV the Fair (1268–1314), made of gr - Lot 10

The Great Seal of Philip IV the Fair (1268–1314), made of green wax with green and yellow silk ribbons. The king is depicted seated in majesty on a throne with lion protomes, holding a fleur-de-lis in his right hand and a fleur-de-lis scepter in his left; he is dressed in a dalmatic and a cloak, both edged with fleur-de-lis braiding, the latter fastened at the left shoulder. Inscription in the border: PHILIPPVS [DEI] GRA/[CIA] FRANCORVM REX (Philip, by the grace of God, King of the Franks). Counter-seal depicting a shield strewn with fleurs-de-lis and surrounded by leafy scrollwork. Paris, late 13th century/early 14th century, circa 1285–1314 Diameter: 9.4 cm (fracture) The use of this large seal by Philip the Fair is attested as early as November 1285, even before his coronation on January 6, 1286. The oldest surviving impression, however, dates from February 1286 (Paris, National Archives, J 396, no. 10), and the most recent from November 1314 (Paris, National Archives, J 403, no. 18). The green wax indicates that the document to which the seal was affixed was of perpetual validity.