Denier bractéate - Gertrude et roi Frédéric I

Historical Context: This Denier bractéate, issued in 1188 by the Women's Abbey of Eschwege, represents a fascinating intersection of ecclesiastical and imperial power during the high Middle Ages. The coin features Gertrude, likely Abbess Gertrude of Brunswick, alongside Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. Its issuance signifies the abbey's imperial immediacy and its delegated right to mint coinage, a privilege often granted to significant ecclesiastical institutions within the Holy Roman Empire. The year 1188 places it within Barbarossa's reign, underscoring the abbey's status and imperial connection.

Artistry: The design of this 46mm bractéate, characteristic of the Romanesque period, would have been executed by an anonymous local die-cutter, likely affiliated with the abbey or a regional mint. Bracteates of this large diameter and minimal weight (0.83g) often feature highly stylized, almost two-dimensional depictions. Depictions would likely be enthroned figures of Gertrude and Frederick, rendered with linear detail and simplified drapery. The single-sided nature allowed for a deep, crisp impression of the primary design, often filling the entire flan, typical for these thin, expansive medieval issues.

Technical/Grading: Struck on an exceptionally thin silver flan, the 0.83g weight across a 46mm diameter makes this bractéate inherently fragile. High-points, including crowns, facial features, and outer legends, are most susceptible to wear and damage. A well-preserved example would exhibit a full, even strike with minimal flan damage, though off-centering and minor cracks are common due to the striking process and thinness. Ghosting of the obverse design on the reverse is a typical characteristic, despite its single-sided nature, reflecting the deep impression.