France. Medal Rare 1750 Cast of Amiens Cathedral Chapter Seal – 13thC Gothic Masterpiece – 68mm (No reserve price)

Rare 1750 cast of Amiens Cathedral chapter seal – 13th-century Gothic masterpiece – 68mm


France – circa 1750

Large 68 mm Enlightenment-Period cast of the medieval seal of the Chapter of Amiens Cathedral

Extremely rare – museum-grade – not a modern reproduction


This is an exceptional, museum-quality 18th-century sand-cast reproduction of the Great Seal of the Chapter of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame d’Amiens — one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in Europe and a cornerstone of medieval French ecclesiastical history.


Unlike modern replicas produced in recent decades, this cast was made around 1750, during the period known as the Enlightenment, when antiquarians, archivists, and early scholars began the first systematic effort to document and preserve the Middle Ages.

Casts from this era represent the earliest 'archaeological' reproductions ever produced — predating modern museums and predating the French Revolution itself.


This piece is not a tourist item, not a fantasy reproduction, and not a 19th/20th century souvenir.

It is a genuine 18th-century historical artifact, created for scholarly study of medieval sigillography.


Historical importance of the original seal (13th century)


The original matrix of this seal was engraved in the High Gothic period (1200s) for the governing Chapter of the Cathedral of Amiens.

Amiens Cathedral (construction began in 1220) is one of the finest achievements of European Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


The seal imagery is rich in medieval symbolism.

A bishop enthroned, wearing a mitre.

Two canons or dignitaries beneath elaborate Gothic arcatures.

The bishop holding a model of the cathedral, symbolizing ecclesiastical authority.

A border adorned with fleur-de-lis, affirming the cathedral’s relationship to the French Crown.

A Gothic Latin legend

Seal of the Chapter of the Church of Amiens

Seal of the Chapter of the Church of Amiens


This iconography authenticated the most important legal, spiritual, and administrative acts of the Chapter.

Why this 1750 cast is valuable


True 18th-century casts of medieval seals are extremely scarce.

Only a few categories of people created such casts before the French Revolution.

1. Archivists documenting medieval charters

2. Antiquarian scholars (precursors of modern archaeologists)

3. Early collectors of medieval art

4. Clerical institutions preserving their own heritage


Each cast was created individually, by hand, using sand molds — giving every piece its own unique surface characteristics and patina.


This specific example displays all key features of genuine pre-industrial casting.

granular, untouched reverse

Irregular cooling cavities

soft edges

classic two-part mold seam

Patina consistent with over 250 years of age.


These elements guarantee authenticity and make it highly desirable.


Specifications

• Date: ca. 1750

Diameter: 68 mm

Material: Lead–tin alloy

• Technique: Hand sand-casting (Enlightenment period)

• Origin: France (Picardy)

• Condition: Excellent for age; stable metal, no cracks, deep natural patina.


Rarity & Market Position


Authentic pre-1800 casts of medieval seals seldom appear outside museum or archival collections.

Casts of seals from major Gothic cathedrals — especially Amiens — are among the most desirable.


On the high-end collectors’ market, similar Enlightenment-period casts have been documented at:

museum sales

Private medieval art collections

academic archival dispersals


They are considered historical artifacts, not mere reproductions.