CRUSADERS. Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. Amalric, Patriarch of Jerusalem, 1158-1180. Seal or Bulla (Lead, 41 mm, 46.29 g, 12 h). Η / ΑΝΑ - CΤ / ΑCΙC Scene of the Resurrection; at the center, Christ, nimbate, standing facing, holding a patriarchal cross with his left hand and drawing up the kneeling figure of Eve with his right; to left, Adam standing right with his arms extended in prayer; to left, two kneeling figures (kings David and Solomon). Rev. ✻☩✻ / AMALRICVS / SCERESURREC / TIONISECCLESI / ÆPATRIAR / [CHA] (= Amalricus S(an)c(ta)e Resurrectionis ecclesiae patriarcha) in five lines. DO Seals 5, 19.3. MAH Zacos 412. Rare. An attractive and historic seal with a lovely brown patina. The usual marks and edge faults, otherwise, good very fine.
Amalric of Nesle became Patriarch of Jerusalem 1158, succeeding the powerful Fulk of Angoulême who had died the previous year. Amalric's most notable action must have been his coronation of the tragic Baldwin IV on 15 July 1174, the 75th anniversary of Jerusalem's capture by the Crusaders.