Denga - Pyotr Dmitrievich

Historical Context: This Denga was issued by Pyotr Dmitrievich, Prince of Dmitrov (1389-1428), son of Dmitry Donskoy. His reign saw Moscow's consolidation, yet Dmitrov retained autonomy. Pyotr’s coinage is crucial for understanding medieval Rus' fragmented landscape, asserting local princely authority before full unification. These issues provide insights into monetary practices of a semi-independent principality in the late 14th-early 15th centuries.

Artistry: The Denga typically features a stylized horseman (prince or patron saint), a prevalent motif in early Russian numismatics. This style draws from Byzantine and Golden Horde traditions, adapted to local Christian iconography. The anonymous engraver's aesthetic is robustly naive, characteristic of early Muscovite Rus' coinage. Cyrillic legends identify ruler and mint, often abbreviated or partially struck due to rudimentary production.

Technical/Grading: Most medieval Rus' wire coinage features an irregular, thin, broad flan, formed from hammered silver wire. Strike quality is highly variable, from strong and centered to significantly off-center with weak details. Critical high-points for grading include the rider's head, weapon, horse's features, and Cyrillic legend clarity. Planchet imperfections like cracks or unevenness are common. A well-struck, centered example with legible legends is desirable, despite the dies' inherent crudeness.