File:Medieval Bulla of Pope Alexander III (FindID 149493).jpg

English: A complete cast circular lead bulla (seal) of Pope Alexander III (AD 1159-1181). Diameter 33.0mm, thickness 5.0mm. Weight 28.14g. Orientation: obverse 12/reverse 12. Obverse: Inscription ALEX/ANDER/PP III (in three lines). PP = 'pastor pastorum' - shepherd of the shepherds. Reverse: Busts of St Paul and St Peter. Each bust would have been within a beaded aureole. However, due to wear and corrosion, the beading has not survived. On the right, St Peter's beard and hair, usually defined by beading, is also lost. On the left, St Paul's hair and beard which are portrayed as being straight are barely visible. Above the busts is an inscription [SPA S]PE. The beading around the circumference of each side has not survived. The central cord hole is flattened. Consequently, it is not possible to determine from impressions, or surviving material, whether the cord was made of silk or hemp. Tim Pestell has commented: "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". The seal is very worn and and the details on the side depicting St. Paul and St. Peter are barely discernable. This may indicate that the die for this side of the bulla had been in long use, whereas the die for the reverse, depicting the name of the Pope, would have been cut at the begining of Allexander's papacy. The find is worn and is also corroded in places. It has a pale buff appearance.