Unmasking a Forged Lead Seal of Baldwin I, King of Jerusalem

Abstract

In 2007 a previously published lead seal of Baldwin I, the first Latin king of Jerusalem appeared in an auction. After its acquisition suspicion arose as to its authenticity. A detailed examination of the seal was carried out at the Soreq Nuclear Research Center, Israel, by gamma ray (Isotope Ir-192) and thermal neutron radiography. The results showed that the seal lacked a cord channel and had drilled entries, indisputable proof that the seal is not authentic.