Numismatics and a Lead Bull from the Wolborski Route in Piotrków Trybunalski

Abstract

Piotrków Trybunalski played a significant role in the history of Poland: it was the seat of kings, parliaments and crown tribunals. The first documented archaeological discoveries date back to the 2nd half of the 19th century, whereas more substantial archaeological work has been carried out since the 1960s. The archaeological monitoring carried out in 2014 in Starowarszawska Street, part of the Wolbórz Route, produced some interesting finds. Almost 200 coins (15th to 20th c.) and a bulla – a gilded lead seal with the arms of the Tudors – were recovered from beneath the bridge on the Strawa River. The coins included primarily those of the Polish Kings (from Władysław III of Poland to Stanisław August Poniatowski). The hoard is the largest collection found during the archaeological digs within Piotrków. As for the seal of the Tudors, it may be assumed that given its ornamentation and special gilded finish it was not a commercial one. Instead, it might have served as a security feature for a special gift presented by the Henry VIII’s court to Polish king Sigismund I.