Denier Bracteate

Historical Context: This Denier Bracteate originates from the City of Göttingen, a prominent urban center within the Holy Roman Empire during the medieval period. Such bracteates served as essential local currency, reflecting the growing economic autonomy and administrative power of cities. Their issuance facilitated regional commerce, particularly in the 12th to 14th centuries, a time marked by frequent monetary reforms and the need for small change. The city's right to mint coinage underscored its importance.

Artistry: The engraver of this piece remains anonymous, typical for medieval civic issues. It adheres to the distinctive stylistic school of German bracteates, characterized by a single-sided, high-relief design struck onto a thin silver flan. While the exact motif for Schrock#2 is not specified, Göttingen bracteates commonly featured heraldic devices, such as the city's lion or other regional symbols, rendered with a robust, stylized medieval aesthetic, intended for immediate recognition.

Technical/Grading: Weighing a mere 0.38 grams, this bracteate exemplifies the extremely thin fabric inherent to the type, making it prone to damage. Key high-points for evaluation include central elements of the design, such as facial features, crowns, or heraldic details, which are often the first to exhibit wear or flattening. Technically, strike quality varies widely; a well-struck example shows a clear, full impression of the motif without significant planchet cracks, splits, or off-centering, despite the inherent challenges of striking such a delicate piece.