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Denier - Charlemagne Mainz, monogram
| Issuer | Unified Carolingian Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 793-812 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | CΛRLVS REX FR (Translation: Charles, king of the Franks.) |
| Reverse description | Central motif comprises a cross pattée on three steps, or a stylised altar-cross raised on a triple-stepped base, all set within a plain inner circle enclosed by a beaded border. The cross is rendered in bold relief with slightly splayed arms, consistent with Carolingian workshop conventions. The surrounding legend, reading * MOGONTIΛ, runs between the beaded inner border and the outer rim, identifying the mint city of Mainz. A small cross or star serves as the legend's initial punctuation mark. The flan edges are irregular and slightly cracked, as commonly encountered on hammered silver deniers of the reform coinage of Charlemagne. |
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| Additional information |
The monogram denier was the direct product of Charlemagne's monetary reform of 793–794, which scrapped the lighter Merovingian standard and imposed a heavier silver penny across the Frankish realm — one of the most sweeping currency unifications medieval Europe would see. Mainz, as a major ecclesiastical and commercial hub on the Rhine, was among the mints authorized to strike the new type. The reform tied coin weight to a redefined pound standard, and enforcement was serious: capitularies threatened punishment for any mint or merchant dealing in underweight pieces.