Denier Bracteate

Historical Context: This Denier Bracteate, issued by the City of Brunswick (1296-1412), reflects a crucial period in medieval German monetary history. As a prominent Free Imperial City and key Hanseatic League member, Brunswick exercised its autonomous minting rights for regional trade and local commerce. The long issuance period underscores the stability and acceptance of this monetary type, reflecting Brunswick’s significant economic influence during the High and Late Middle Ages, an era defined by powerful urban centers.

Artistry: The engraver of this bracteate remains anonymous, typical of medieval workshop practices. The coin exemplifies the regional stylistic school prevalent in Northern German numismatics. Brunswick bracteates typically feature simplified, powerful designs, often depicting the iconic Brunswick Lion or architectural elements symbolizing the city's sovereignty. The single-sided nature allowed for a bold, deeply impressed design on a thin flan, a practical and visually distinct approach to coinage.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a thin silver flan (0.68 grams, 21 millimeters), this bracteate is inherently delicate. High-points, such as the lion's mane or architectural features, are particularly susceptible to wear and flattening. Technical strike quality often varies, with common occurrences of off-center strikes, uneven impression, and ghosting on the blank reverse. Collectors should seek a strong, complete strike capturing the full design without significant flan folds or cracks, frequent due to the coin's extreme thinness.