SEAL

A military lead sealing dating to the second or third century AD. The sealing is rectangular in shape and in section. The upper surface of the sealing is stamped with a rectangular die and the legend 'LE palmG.'. On the underside of the sealing, a further legend reading 'MCS7' is also visible which can be read as 'leg(io) | M(arcus) C(...) S(...) (centurio)' The sealing is pierced horizontally, with piercings visible at each end and a large groove on the underside. The sealing measures 9mm in length, 17mm in width and 3mm in thickness.

The third letter of the obverse resembles C, but has a shallow diagonal 'tail' which makes G acceptable. The reading of LEG for leg(io) is supported by the palm branch (for 'Victory'), and confirmed by the centurial reverse. The legion is not not fully identified, probably for want of space, but the Sixth Legion is most likely (compare 4-16).

On the reverse, the rounded ends of the second letter survive, showing that it is a small C, not an incomplete O. The third letter has been damaged by the course of the binding-cord, but can only be S. The centurial symbol is another small C (now broken) continued downward by a short vertical stroke.

The most likely nomen is Claudius, but there are many other possibilities such as Caecilius, Calpurnius, Cassius, Cocceius and Cornelius.