Seal impression (cast), of Robert II

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the obverse of the Great Seal of Robert II, dating from around 1371.

The seal depicts the king seated on his throne holding a sceptre. On either side in the Gothic niche are shields with the Royal Arms of Scotland. The inscription 'ROBERTVS:DEI GRACIA REX:SCOTTORVM' translates as 'Robert by the grace of God, king of the Scots'. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

Seals were used extensively from the 12th century in Scotland by kings, clergy, nobles and towns. In a society where few people could read or write, they provided evidence that documents were authentic. Great Seals were used primarily for grants of land.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-786-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  K.1999.750
• Date: c. 1371
  Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1371
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown; circular. Inscription: ROBERTVS:DEI GRACIA REX:SCOTTORVM
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 110 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Robert II
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the obverse of the Great Seal of Robert II, depicting the king on his throne, c. 1371
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p.8 no.33 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 8, no. 33. 
• Translations:
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