Lead, 48.25 grams, 39.76 mm diameter, approx. 5 mm thickness. 14th century AD. A lead seal from a document issued by Pope Boniface IX. One face bears the name of the issuing Pope BONE/FATIVS/PP:VIIII within a circle of points, and the other the opposed profile heads of SS. Peter and Paul with a cruciform emblem between and a form of the identifying abbreviated legend 'SPASPE', (Sanctus Paulus Sanctus Petrus 'Saint Paul, Saint Peter'). Pope Bonifatius (Boniface) was born Piero Tomacelli, at Casarano in the kingdom of Naples in 1350. He was pope from 1389 until his death in 1404, while the antipope Clement VII (1378–94) continued to hold court as pope in the French city of Avignon under the protection of the French monarchy. Boniface's papacy is noted for his cautious and prudent style, regaining control of the chief castles of the Papal States. In England, the preaching of John Wyclif supported the opposition of the king and the ecclesiastical establishment to Boniface IX's granting vacant English benefices to his favourites in the Roman Curia. Papal favours were costly at this time, as the Vatican's revenues were depleted by the anti-pope. Very fine condition. Provenance: found Wiltshire, UK.