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Medals & Seals
Medals: The portrait medal originates from Roman coinage and was issued to commemorate a particular individual or event. They normally carry a portrait head or bust in profile on one side, a different design on the reverse, and an inscription running around the edge or rim. Made of non-precious metals, such as bronze, they had no monetary value, but were produced primarily to issue a likeness of the sitter and were frequently worn around the neck. Their production flourished in the 15th century Italy.
Seals: Used largely to authenticate official and private documents seals date back to civilizations such as the Ancient Egyptians, Romans and Byzantines and the Middle Ages when their use was restricted to monarchs and rulers, ecclesiastical leaders or government officials. Their use extended through to the 19th century, only gradually being replaced by the personal signature as more people learned to write. Seals came in a variety of different forms, from Egyptian scarab beetles to Roman signet rings, frequently featuring a portrait, sometimes with a legend around it. Their purpose was to identify the author of a document, prevent forgery and interference with official documents. The seal was impressed into soft wax, either directly onto a document, or attached by means of a ribbon or parchment.
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