Denier Bracteate anonymous

Historical Context: This anonymous Denier Bracteate, issued by the St. Martin Abbey of Sindelfingen between 1170 and 1180, dates to the Hohenstaufen era of the Holy Roman Empire, under Frederick I Barbarossa. Decentralized power allowed ecclesiastical authorities like abbeys in Swabia to mint coinage. Bracteates, characterized by their thinness, served as crucial regional currency, facilitating local trade. Their frequent recoinage also functioned as a form of seigniorage, reflecting the economic power of the issuing lord.

Artistry: As an anonymous issue, the specific engraver remains unknown, but the coin's design would have adhered to prevailing Romanesque artistic traditions. Bracteates from this period often feature stylized religious motifs or symbols pertinent to the issuing authority. For the St. Martin Abbey, this likely involved an image of Saint Martin, an abbot, or a distinctive ecclesiastical emblem, rendered in high relief on a remarkably thin flan. The single-sided impression, characteristic of bracteates, created a corresponding negative image on the reverse.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver and weighing 0.39 grams, this bracteate exemplifies typical denier specifications for its era. The flan's inherent thinness, a defining feature, makes these coins highly susceptible to damage. High-points of the design, such as facial features or extremities, are often the first to show wear, flattening or tearing. Strike quality, while strong for high relief, can exhibit ghosting on the reverse and irregular flan shapes. Creasing, bending, and minor edge tears are common due to the delicate nature of the silver.