Denier Bracteate - Siegfried of Rekkin

Historical Context: This Denier Bracteate was issued by the Abbey of Pegau during the abbacy of Siegfried of Rekkin, a period spanning 1185 to 1224. Such bracteates represent the significant economic autonomy and jurisdictional power held by ecclesiastical institutions within the Holy Roman Empire. The Abbey of Pegau was an important regional player, its minting right underscoring its status. Bracteates, characterized by their single-sided, thin fabric, were the predominant coinage type in much of Central Europe during the High Middle Ages, facilitating local commerce.

Artistry: The anonymous engraver’s work reflects the prevailing Romanesque style, characterized by stylized, yet robust depiction. Bracteates often feature a simplified, almost abstract rendition due to the limitations of the single-die striking process. For an abbatial issue, the design likely features Abbot Siegfried's bust with a crozier, or a symbolic representation like a mitre, rendered with the distinctive linear quality common to the period.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a broad, thin silver flan weighing 0.81 grams, this bracteate exhibits typical manufacturing traits. The single-die strike results in an incuse impression on the reverse. High-points, such as the abbot's head or crozier details, are often the first to show wear or weakness. Due to their thinness, bracteates are frequently found with cracks, folds, or minor planchet irregularities. Centering and strike can be uneven, leading to partial or weak impressions, though well-preserved examples offer clear details.