This wax seal stamp is based on the seal of Richard I of England (Richard Cœur de Lion, 1157–1199), one of the most famous monarchs of the High Middle Ages. The son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard ruled England from 1189 until 1199 and remains one of the most recognisable figures of medieval Europe.
Great seals served as the principal means of authenticating royal charters, letters, and official acts. They represented the authority of the monarch and were attached to important documents throughout the kingdom and its territories.
This design is based on Richard's second great seal, used between 1197 and 1199. The inscription reads:
"RICARDUS DUX NORMANNORUM ET AQUITANORUM ET COMES ANDEGAUORUM"
Richard, Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, Count of Anjou.
The seal is notable for depicting Richard wearing a crested great helm, a rare feature in surviving seals of this period and an important source for the study of medieval arms, armour, and royal iconography.
Richard's reign formed part of the Angevin period, during which the English Crown controlled extensive territories in both England and France. His seal reflects the political significance and prestige of this cross-Channel realm.
The brass seal has a diameter of 50 mm.
