Catalog
| Issuer | Liege, Prince-bishopric of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1040-1050 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Denier |
| Currency | Denier (975-1274) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.0 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Dengis Liege#110, Dann Sa#252, Ilisch NL2#40.24, Kluge Kar#391 |
| Obverse description | Bust of Saint lambert right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
✠ SCS LANBERTVS (Translation: Saint Lambert) |
| Reverse description | Alpha and omega suspended from a letter T. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
TAW ✠ TRAIECTVM (Translation: Maastricht) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1040-1050) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 3298888570 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Denier Anonymous, struck in Maastricht for the Prince-bishopric of Liege (1040-1050), hails from a pivotal era. The See of Liege, under Prince-Bishops Nithard, Wazo, and Theoduin, consolidated significant temporal and spiritual power within the Holy Roman Empire. Maastricht, a crucial minting location, facilitated the Liege episcopate's growing autonomy and sovereign authority in the Meuse valley, essential for local commerce.
Artistry: The design of this Denier, characteristic of early medieval numismatic art, is unattributed, common for the period. Stylistically, it aligns with the Ottonian-Salian tradition prevalent in ecclesiastical mints. Deniers from Maastricht typically feature a central cross on one side, symbolizing Christian authority. The reverse frequently displays a stylized temple façade, bust, or monogram, representing the issuer's temporal power. Its schematic execution conveys symbolic weight over classical realism.
Technical/Grading: Weighing approximately 1.0 gram of silver, this Denier exhibits typical 11th-century manual striking characteristics. High-points susceptible to wear include the central cross elements and any facial or architectural details on the reverse. Common technical strike qualities involve variable flan shape, minor off-centering, and occasional weakness in strike, particularly towards the edges, due to uneven hammer blows. Double striking or slight planchet imperfections are frequently observed, impacting clarity but revealing period minting practices.