Denier Bracteate

Historical Context: This Denier Bracteate originates from the Duchy of Brunswick-Luneburg, a prominent territory within the Holy Roman Empire, during a period spanning the late 13th to the late 15th centuries. During this era, the Welf dynasty dukes minted regional currency to facilitate local trade and assert sovereign rights. Bracteates, characterized by their thinness and single-sided strike, became the dominant coinage type across much of northern Germany, serving as essential small change in a burgeoning medieval economy.

Artistry: The engraver of this specific bracteate remains anonymous, common for medieval coinage. Stylistically, it belongs to the late medieval German numismatic tradition, prioritizing functionality over elaborate detail. While the precise design is not specified, typical Brunswick bracteates of this period often feature heraldic symbols like the Brunswick lion, a crowned head, or an ecclesiastical figure, rendered in a simplified, almost abstract manner. The single-sided strike necessitated a shallow relief, contributing to a distinctive, often crude aesthetic.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver and weighing a mere 0.42 grams, this bracteate exemplifies the fragile nature of its type. Due to the inherent thinness of the flan and the single-die striking process, high points of the design are frequently weakly struck or susceptible to wear. Collectors should anticipate irregular flan shapes, often with splits or tears, and off-center strikes. The reverse typically exhibits an incuse impression of the obverse design, a hallmark of bracteate production.