Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 123 23-24 May 2023
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Hadrian IV. 1154-1159. PB Seal – Bulla (40mm, 44.88 g, 12h). ADRI/ANVS/ PP • IIII • in three lines / Head of St. Peter and St. Paul facing slightly right and left, respectively; long cross between, S PA S PE above. Serafini 1. Remnants of original cord attached. Near VF. Very rare.
Since no coins were issued in his name, the lead bullae of Hadrian IV are the only way to include this pope into a papal coin collection. The only Englishman elected to the throne of St. Peter, Nicholas Brekespear of St. Albans became Hadrian IV in 1154. His most famous and far-reaching papal act was the Donation of Ireland in 1156, granting Henry II of England dominion over Ireland.
Since no coins were issued in his name, the lead bullae of Hadrian IV are the only way to include this pope into a papal coin collection. The only Englishman elected to the throne of St. Peter, Nicholas Brekespear of St. Albans became Hadrian IV in 1154. His most famous and far-reaching papal act was the Donation of Ireland in 1156, granting Henry II of England dominion over Ireland.