Denier Anonymous, Maastricht

Émetteur Liege, Prince-bishopric of
Année 1040-1050
Type Standard circulation coin
Valeur 1 Denier
Devise Denier (975-1274)
Composition Silver
Poids 1.0 g
Diamètre
Épaisseur
Forme Round (irregular)
Technique Hammered
Orientation Variable alignment ↺
Graveur(s)
En circulation jusqu’à
Référence(s) Dengis Liege#110, Dann Sa#252, Ilisch NL2#40.24, Kluge Kar#391
Description de l’avers Bust of Saint lambert right.
Écriture de l’avers Latin
Légende de l’avers ✠ SCS LANBERTVS
(Translation: Saint Lambert)
Description du revers Alpha and omega suspended from a letter T.
Écriture du revers Latin
Légende du revers TAW ✠ TRAIECTVM
(Translation: Maastricht)
Tranche
Atelier
Tirage ND (1040-1050) - -
ID Numisquare 3298888570
Informations supplémentaires

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.

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