The Only English Pope

CNG 108, Lot: 965. Estimate $2000. Sold for $12000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Papale (Stato pontificio). Hadrian IV. 1154-1159. PB Seal – Bulla (36mm, 45.27 g, 12h). ADRI/ANVS/ PP • IIII • in three lines / Head of St. Peter and St. Paul facing slightly right and left, respectively; long cross between, S PA S PE above. Serafini 1. Good VF. Very rare.

Since no coins were issued in his name, the lead bullae of Hadrian IV are the only way to include Hardrian IV into a papl coin collection. The only Englishman elected to the throne of St. Peter, Nicholas Brekespear of St. Albans became Hadrian IV in 1154. His most famous and far-reaching papal act was the Donation of Ireland in 1156, granting Henry II of England dominion over Ireland.