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Denier Bracteate - Adolphus III
| Issuer | County of Holstein-Schaumburg |
|---|---|
| Year | 1189-1201 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1 Denier |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Bracteate uniface type struck in thin silver sheet. A stylized architectural or heraldic device occupies the central field, rendered in bold Romanesque relief characteristic of North German bracteate coinage of the late 12th century. The design features a prominent cross-like or tower motif with flanking elements, possibly representing a castle or fortified gateway with lateral turrets, all enclosed within a plain raised inner ring and a broad outer rim. The overall composition is symmetrical and executed in the schematic, high-relief manner typical of Schaumburg county bracteates of the Adolphus III period. No legend is present. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Bracteate reverse showing the incuse mirror image of the obverse design, as is characteristic of all bracteate coinage produced from a single-die hammering technique on a thin silver flan. The relief of the obverse appears in negative on this side, with the central architectural or heraldic motif visible in intaglio. The surface retains natural die flow and flan irregularities consistent with hand-hammered medieval production. |
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| Additional information |
Adolphus III of Schauenburg lost Holstein to Duke Henry the Lion in 1164, spent years in political limbo, and only recovered the county in 1181 after Henry's fall from imperial favor. The bracteate issues of his restored rule — thin, single-sided, and struck on wide flans — reflect the north German minting conventions that spread through the region in the latter half of the twelfth century, distinct from the heavier double-sided deniers of the Rhineland. Berger 128 is among the tighter series attributed to his chancery at Schaumburg.