Denier - Baldwin IV / Baldwin V Saint-Omer

Historical Context: This silver denier, minted between 989 and 1067, encapsulates the reigns of Baldwin IV (988-1035) and Baldwin V (1035-1067), powerful Counts of Flanders. During this era, Flanders asserted significant autonomy within the Kingdom of France, consolidating its influence as a major economic and political force in northwestern Europe. The issuance of coinage from mints like Saint-Omer underscored the counts' regalian rights and the burgeoning prosperity of the county, driven by its strategic trade and textile industry. This coin is a tangible testament to their growing sovereignty.

Artistry: The artistry of this denier reflects characteristic early medieval numismatic style, often exhibiting proto-Romanesque simplicity rather than refined classical influences. Engravers, typically anonymous, produced functional and symbolic designs. Common motifs include a central cross, frequently with pellets or annulets in its angles, on one side. The reverse typically features a stylized monogram of the ruling count, such as BALDWINUS, or a mint signature like SANCTO AUDOMARO (Saint-Omer), rendered in somewhat crude yet legible lettering.

Technical/Grading: Weighing approximately 0.7 grams, this diminutive silver denier typically exhibits the technical limitations of early medieval minting. High-points for preservation assessment include the central elements of the cross and the legibility of surrounding legends or monograms. Strikes are frequently off-center, and planchets are often irregular in shape and thickness, a result of hand-cutting and hammering. Details can be shallow and susceptible to wear. Despite these inconsistencies, well-preserved examples offer clear indications of the original design, critical for attribution and historical study.