4 Papal Bulls of Popes Benedict XIV, Clement XIV, Pius VI, & Pius IX

A collection of four papal bulls dating from ca. 1740 to 1878 and from various papacies, including Benedict XIV, Clement XIV, Pius Vi, and Pius IX. All have been written in Latin, but are of varying sizes and materials. Two are written on vellum and have lead seals attached with a small length of rope. Each has flattened folds, with varying degrees of toning, foxing, and soiling throughout. Some of the documents bear small pin holes at the edges. Bold and clear text and signatures. Minor rubbing and wear to the seals, but overall very good condition.

Includes the following:
1. Pope Benedict XIV (1740-1758) Papal Bull: 1p, measuring 16" X 6.125", Rome, dated June 1744. Written in Latin and untranslated.
2. Pope Clement XIV (1769-1774) Papal Bull: 1p of vellum, measuring 8.25" X 13", [Rome], n.d. [ca. 1769-1774]. Written in Latin and untranslated. With a papal lead seal attached at the lower margin with a thin rope strand. The lead seal measures 1.625" in diameter, with a cross and the heads of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul depicted on one side, and the Pope’s name in Latin, "CLEMENS PAPA XIV", on the other side.
3. Pope Pius VI (1775-1799) Papal Bull: 1p of vellum, measuring 11" X 7.75", [Rome], n.d. [ca. 1775-1799]. Written in Latin and untranslated. With a papal lead seal attached at the lower margin with a thin rope strand. The lead seal measures 1.625" in diameter, with a cross and the heads of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul depicted on one side, and the Pope’s name in Latin, "PIVS PAPA VI", on the other side.
4. Pope Pius IX (1846 to 1878) Papal Bull: 1p, measuring 16.5" X 9.25", Rome, dated June 17, 1853. Written in Latin and granting the decoration of the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Gregory to French General de Cotte.

Papal bulls were originally issued by popes for various reasons of public communication, but after the fifteenth century C.E., they were only issued for the most formal or solemn of occasions. Papal lead seals, also known as bollas or bullas, were made and used by the Vatican State to verify the authenticity of the document. The seal was attached to an official vellum church document by cords made of hemp or silk that were looped through slits in the document.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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