Seal impression (cast), of James I

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the obverse of the 2nd Great Seal of James I, dating from around 1424.

The seal depicts the king on his throne. The seal matrix producing this seal was used by the next four monarchs (all named James), with each adding small additions to distinguish it from the last. The fragmentary inscription 'IACOBVS DEI G...CIA REX ...TORVM' translates as James 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: 000-180-001-790-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.1999.757
• Date: c. 1424
  Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1424
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown; circular. Inscription: IACOBVS DEI G...CAI REX ...TORVM
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 107 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: James I of Scotland
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the obverse of the 2nd Great Seal of James I of Scotland, depicting the king on his throne, c. 1424
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p.11 no.43 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 11, no. 43. 
• Translations:
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