File:Medieval Bull (FindID 599579).jpg

English: Papal bulla of Boniface IX (1389-1404). A well-preserved bulla with its bottom third chopped off. The obverse reads BONI/FATIUS/•PP•VIIII, the bottom of the numerals now missing at the chop line. Although this makes it hard to read the numerals, the three vertical pellets before the first B of Boniface and after the final S are clearly those of Boniface IX's bull design. The reverse is of the normal design with the figures of SS Paul and Peter in pelleted aureoles with SPASPE above. The reverse is more scratched and dented than the obverse, the figure of St Peter in particular being nearly erased. Although surviving quite well, the surface patination is not crisp enough to preserve any die flaws.

The principal point of interest about this bulla is the chopping of the bottom third, the cut being particular clear with the angled edge still surviving as a sharp edge. The reason for the cutting on a horizontal axis, rather than cutting the seal in half vertically along the suspension string is unknown, but comprises another variant on this phenomenon seen in other bullae.

Diameter 38.5mm. Thickness 3.5 - 5.5mm. Weight 37.251g, obverse sealed at 372° to the reverse, quite a loose sealing. Bullae of Boniface IX are relatively common, thirteen now having been recorded from the Diocese of Norwich.