Denier Bracteate - Wladyslaw III Spindleshanks or Wladyslaw Odonic Gniezno mint

Historical Context: This Denier Bracteate hails from the tumultuous era of ducal fragmentation in Poland, specifically the early 13th century (1202-1238), a period marked by intense internecine strife among the Piast dynasts. Issued by the Duchy of Greater Poland, its attribution oscillates between Wladyslaw III Spindleshanks (Laskonogi), Duke of Greater Poland and Senior Duke, and his ambitious nephew, Wladyslaw Odonic, who fiercely contested and eventually secured control of Greater Poland, including the significant minting center of Gniezno. The coin's low weight (0.17 gg) and small diameter (13 mm) reflect the economic conditions and the widespread adoption of lightweight bracteates for regional commerce during this decentralised period.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this bracteate is characteristic of early medieval Central European numismatics, where individual engraver identities are almost universally unrecorded. The style is typically stylized and compact, necessitated by the small flan size and the single-sided, thin-metal production method. Common motifs for bracteates of this period include simplified heads, crosses, or abstract symbols, often rendered with a certain provincial crudeness but possessing distinct regional iconographic traits. The absence of an explicit signature is standard for this issuer and era, with mint masters or ducal officials overseeing the production rather than celebrated artists.

Technical/Grading: For this Denier Bracteate type (Kop#148), critical grading considerations revolve around its inherent fragility and production method. High-points include the clarity and centering of the central motif, which is frequently off-strike or weakly impressed due to the thin flan. The extremely delicate silver fabric (0.17 gg) renders these coins highly susceptible to bending, creasing, and edge damage; therefore, an intact, uncreased flan is paramount. Details, though often simplified, should be discernible without significant wear or obliteration. Surface preservation, free from severe corrosion or active pitting, is also a key determinant of grade for these fragile medieval issues.