Medieval seal with Roman chariot intaglio found in Essex –

A rare medieval silver seal featuring a Roman engraving of a biga (a racing chariot with two horses) has been discovered in Essex. Based on comparisons with other Biga intaglios, this gemstone dates to the late 1st century BC or early 1st century AD. It was set in silver and worked into a seal between 1200 and 1400.

The rich onyx stone is engraved with two trotting horses in exquisite detail. They were pulling a small chariot, and the driver held a whip. The silver bezel around the stone is engraved with reverse letters (so it can be read correctly when stamped) and is inscribed “+SECRETVM”. RICARDI’ literally means “Richard’s secret”, but a more accurate explanation is “Richard’s private seal”. This wording is also found on other seals from the period, including those with reused Roman intaglio plates.

Seals set with Roman gemstones were often used as private seals or counter-seals rather than as official seals for administrative documents. The quality of gravure plates varies greatly. Older gemstones, such as the Picasso carnelian made by Augustus, were more valuable and were often purchased by wealthy and prestigious individuals who would set them in private seals. More recent intaglio prints date from the second to fourth centuries AD and are often less finely crafted works that were discovered by chance by people working the land. The landowner would then seal it.

This example was discovered by a metal detector in Gosfield last September. It has been declared a treasure and will be offered to a local museum at its assessed value. If no one accepts it, the finder can take it back.