Denier

Historical Context: This Denier, issued by the City of Buda between 1336 and 1338, dates to the reign of Charles I of Hungary (Károly Róbert) from the House of Anjou. This era marked a period of significant economic stabilization and administrative reform within the Kingdom. Charles I's monetary policies, including new gold and silver denominations, aimed to restore confidence after prior debasements. The Denier, a vital small silver coin, facilitated daily commerce, highlighting Buda's importance as a royal mint and economic hub during a flourishing period for the Anjou monarchy.

Artistry: The engraver of this diminutive Denier remains anonymous, typical for medieval coinage. Stylistically, it reflects the prevalent Central European medieval aesthetic, prioritizing functional design over elaborate artistic expression. Given its minute size (0.21 grams of silver), the design was necessarily simplified. Common motifs for Buda deniers of this era often featured a double cross or a simplified crowned head on the obverse, paired with a mint mark or initial on the reverse, emphasizing clear identification.

Technical/Grading: Due to its extremely low weight of 0.21 grams, this Denier was struck on a very thin, small flan, often resulting in irregular shape and variable strike quality. High-points for preservation are typically the central elements, such as the cross or head, which received the initial and deepest impact. Peripheral legends or details, if present, are frequently weak, partially off-center, or entirely off the flan. Collectors should anticipate a generally weak strike and often incomplete design elements, common for this denomination.