File:Medieval , Papal Bulla (FindID 259247).jpg

English: A complete cast circular lead bulla (seal) of Pope Honorius III (AD 1216-1227). Diameter: 39.8mm; thickness: 5.01mm. Weight: 46g. Orientation: 12.

Obverse: Inscription HONO//RIVS// .PP. III. (in three lines). PP = 'pastor pastorum' - shepherd of the shepherds. The letters have curled serifs. Reverse: Busts of St Paul and St Peter. Each bust is within a beaded aureole. St. Paul, on the left, is depicted with a long beard and St Peter, on the right, has a curly beard formed of small sub oval pellets. Both heads are enclosed within a border of pellets (or pearls). The cross between the two heads is lost due to corrosion. Above the busts is an inscription SPA SPE. The beading forming the aureoles and St Peter’s beard are incomplete due to wear. Therefore, it is not possible to enumerate the number of beads in each element.

The seal is worn and also slightly corroded in places and has a well developed pale buff patina overall. The bulla has been slightly bent at roughly the half way mar, possibly by the plough.

Tim Pestell has stated on other bulla records: "Papal bulls came as two basic types, according to the contents of the document: Tituli, or "Letters of Grace", essentially granted or confirmed rights, conferred benefices or promulgated statutes. They generally had their lead bullae attached with cords of silk. Mandamenta, or "Letters of Justice" were mandates that conveyed papal orders, prohibitions or injunctions, and had their bullae attached by hemp threads".