ITALY. Papal States. Nicholas IV (Girolamo Masci), 1288-1292. Seal or Bulla (Lead, 40 mm, 43.03 g, 12 h), Rome. S PA S PE Nimbate facing heads of St. Paul, bald and with a long, linear beard, on the left and St. Peter, with curly hair and beard composed of pellets, on the right; between them, Latin cross on a long staff and base; all within a circular, dotted border . Rev. NICO/LAVS/ •PP• IIII• in three lines, the whole within simple round dotted border. Serafini 1-5. Scarce. Only another example in offered during the last two decades. Nearly very fine.

From the Dr. Pelc Dens Sapientiae Collection, USA.

The first Franciscan to be elected pope.