Denier Bracteate - Henry 'the Admirable' and Albrecht 'the Fat'

Historical Context: This Denier Bracteate was issued during a period of significant fragmentation within the Welf dynasty of Brunswick-Luneburg, spanning the late 13th and early 14th centuries (1279-1318). It represents the authority of Henry 'the Admirable' (Heinrich I von Braunschweig-Grubenhagen) and Albrecht 'the Fat' (Albrecht II von Braunschweig-Göttingen), two prominent Welf dukes whose territories emerged from the partition of 1269. Such bracteates served as crucial regional currency within the Holy Roman Empire, facilitating local commerce. Their joint or successive issuance underscores the complex, often overlapping, economic and political influence of these ducal lines in medieval northern Germany.

Artistry: The engraver of this bracteate remains anonymous, typical for the period. It exemplifies the distinctive Medieval German Bracteate stylistic school, characterized by a single-sided, deeply impressed design on a thin silver flan. While specific iconography can vary, Brunswick-Luneburg bracteates of this era frequently feature a central heraldic device, most commonly a rampant lion – the enduring symbol of the Welf house – often within a beaded border. The design would be bold and somewhat stylized, prioritizing clear recognition over intricate detail, reflecting the practical demands of a widely circulating, low-denomination coin.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a diminutive 0.54 gram silver flan, this bracteate is inherently fragile. High-points susceptible to wear typically include the highest relief areas of the central motif, such as the lion's head, mane, or extended limbs. Due to the extremely thin flan, common technical strike qualities include an uneven strike, off-center placement, and susceptibility to creasing, bending, or flan cracks. The striking process often resulted in a ghost image on the reverse. Well-preserved examples will exhibit a strong, clear impression of the design with minimal flan damage or evidence of clipping.