Denier - Carloman II Autun, Saint-Nazaire Church

Historical Context: Carloman II's reign (879-884) as King of West Francia marked a tumultuous period of Carolingian decline. Facing relentless Viking incursions and increasing decentralization, Carloman struggled to maintain central authority. This denier, from the Autun mint, underscores the era's shift towards local coinage, often controlled by powerful ecclesiastical institutions. The Saint-Nazaire Church reference highlights its likely role in the minting process, reflecting the fragmented political landscape of late 9th-century West Francia.

Artistry: The artistry of this denier adheres to late Carolingian numismatic conventions. Engravers, though anonymous, prioritized legibility and symbolic function. The obverse typically displays a prominent cross, often a cross potent, encircled by CARLOMAN REX. The reverse, specific to Autun and the Saint-Nazaire Church, likely features a stylized church façade or an inscription referencing this significant local religious foundation, framed by AVTVNVM. This design served as both an identifier and an affirmation of local ecclesiastical power.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver at 1.55 grams, this denier often exhibits characteristics common to late Carolingian issues. Key high-points for preservation include the central elements of the cross, architectural details of the church façade, and the legibility of surrounding legends. Technical strike qualities frequently present challenges; flans are often irregular, and strikes can be weak, off-center, or show evidence of die wear, leading to partial legends or indistinct motifs. A well-centered strike with full, clear legends and defined central designs is exceptionally rare.