Denier Bracteate - Hermann I

Historical Context: This Denier Bracteate was issued by Hermann I, Bishop of Dorpat (1224-1248), a key figure in the Livonian Crusade. Dorpat (Tartu) was a critical stronghold; Hermann I consolidated the Bishopric's power in a newly Christianized territory. Coinage issuance, even rudimentary, signifies established ecclesiastical authority and economic infrastructure, reflecting the bishop's temporal and spiritual sovereignty in the Baltic region.

Artistry: The engraver of this 13th-century bracteate is anonymous, typical for the era. Stylistically, it reflects simplified, schematic designs characteristic of early medieval Baltic coinage, often a provincial interpretation of Romanesque or early Gothic motifs. Bracteates are single-sided, with the design impressed into a thin flan. Issues like Haljak II#453 commonly feature ecclesiastical symbols such as a crozier, bishop's mitre, or stylized cross, conveying the issuer's authority.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 0.13 grams and measuring 12 millimeters, this silver bracteate exemplifies the fragility and economic utility of early medieval coinage. High-points, typically the most prominent design features, are often the first to show wear or weakness due to the single-die strike. Common technical qualities include uneven strikes, off-centering, and flan cracks, inherent to the thinness of the fabric. A well-preserved example exhibits a relatively clear central device with minimal flan damage.