We operated a PbMoO 4 scintillating cryogenic detector of 570 g, produced with archaeological lead. This compound features excellent low temperature characteristics in terms of light yield, 12 keV/MeV for β / γ interactions, and FWHM energy resolution, 11.7 keV at 2.6 MeV. Furthermore, the detector allows for an effective particle identification by means of pulse shape analysis on the heat read-out channel. The implementation of innovative techniques and procedures for the purification of raw materials used for the crystal growth, and the highly-pure archaeological Pb, allowed for the production of large volume high-quality crystal. The overall characteristics of the detector operated at cryogenic temperatures makes PbMoO 4 an excellent compound for neutrino physics applications, especially neutrinoless double-beta studies.