210, Lot: 462. Estimate $150. Sold for $260. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Papal Bullae. Boniface IX (Pietro Tomacelli). 1389-1404. PB Bulla (35mm, 45.38 g, 12h). · BONI/FATIUS ·/P P · VIIII in three lines; all within beaded-linear border; (Ω above P P, triple-pellet stops) / S PA S PE, bare heads of Sts. Paul and Peter, facing slightly right and left, respectively, each within beaded halo; cruciform scepter between; all within beaded-linear border. Serafini I 63-6. Good VF, remains of red chord.

From the Luparello Collection.

The second Pope to reign during the Western Schism, Boniface IX ruled opposite Antipope Clement VII. A tactful and prudent individual, he eventually won back several supporters of the Antipope in Avignon. The rising cost of warfare slowly eroded the finances of the papal state, forcing Boniface to turn to indulgences, a practice which reached scandalous levels.