Denier Bracteate - Sambor II Tczew mint

Historical Context: This Denier Bracteate was issued during the reign of Sambor II, Duke of East Pomerania (1217-1278), a period marked by significant political fragmentation and consolidation within the fragmented Polish lands. Sambor II, based in Tczew, strategically utilized coinage to assert his ducal authority and economic autonomy, reflecting the growing urban centers and regional power dynamics of his domain. His minting activities underscored his independence, often amidst conflicts with his brother Mestwin II and the burgeoning influence of the Teutonic Knights, solidifying Tczew as a key economic hub.

Artistry: The design of Kop#211 is characteristic of 13th-century Pomeranian bracteates, typically featuring a stylized ducal head or a heraldic symbol. While the engraver remains anonymous, the piece exhibits the simplified, yet potent, aesthetic prevalent during the Early Gothic transition. The single-sided strike technique inherent to bracteates necessitated a bold, often almost abstract, central motif designed to impress clearly onto the thin silver flan. This particular type likely depicts a specific attribute or simplified portrait associated with Sambor II, embodying his ducal presence.

Technical/Grading: As a bracteate, this coin is inherently delicate. High-points for assessment typically include the central motif, such as the crown or facial features if present, which should exhibit clear definition. A premium example would display a strong, centered strike with minimal evidence of the planchet's inherent thinness leading to folds, cracks, or significant areas of weakness. The silver flan should be relatively round and intact, with the full design impressed without major flattening or off-strikes, a rarity given the production methods of the era.