Bidspirit auction | Seal of Emperor Charles IV

Seal of Emperor Charles IV of Luxembourg, Holy Roman Empire, (c. 1355) - Measurements: 105 mm. Weight: 57.49 grams. The seal of Charles IV, with its characteristic contrasigillum, or counterseal, offers valuable insight into the mechanisms of authentication and representation of power in medieval Europe. These pieces not only validated official documents but also visually reinforced the monarch's authority. After his papal coronation in 1355, Charles IV issued numerous documents sealed with the Golden Bull or with wax seals that, in many cases, included the secretum on the back, a symbol of their reserved and solemn nature. On the obverse of this example, the Emperor appears enthroned, bearing the imperial insignia, accompanied by the Latin inscription: “KAROLVS QVARTVS DIVINA FAVENTE CLEMENTIA ROMANORUM IMPERATOR SEMPER AVGVSTVS ET BOHEMIE REX,” that is, “Charles IV, by divine grace, Emperor of the Romans, always august, and King of Bohemia,” thus underlining the divine legitimacy of his rule. The reverse features the imperial symbol of the eagle, alongside the inscription: “+ IVSTE + IVDICATE + FILII + HOMINVM” (“Judge righteously, children of men”), alluding to the moral duty of the sovereign as supreme judge. Beyond its legal function, this type of seal evidenced the status and political sophistication of its bearer. Not in vain, Charles IV is recognized as one of the most prominent figures of the European monarchy in the Late Middle Ages. Located in international warehouse.