Denier - Henry II Esslingen mint

Emittent Holy Roman Empire
Jahr 1002-1024
Typ Standard circulation coin
Nennwert 1 Denier (Pfennig)
Währung Denier (843-1385)
Material Silver
Gewicht 1.05 g
Durchmesser 20 mm
Dicke
Form Round (irregular)
Prägetechnik Hammered
Ausrichtung Variable alignment ↺
Stempelschneider
Im Umlauf bis
Referenz(en) KR#4, Dann Sa#951-952, Kluge Kar#84
Aversbeschreibung Crowned bust facing right, legend surrounding.
Aversschrift Latin
Averslegende +HEINRICVS
(Translation: Henry.)
Reversbeschreibung Hand comming down from arch in sky laing on a cross. Legend surrounding.
Reversschrift Latin
Reverslegende S VITALIS
(Translation: Saint Vitalis.)
Rand
Prägestätte
Auflage ND (1002-1024) - -
Numisquare-ID 1133339380
Zusätzliche Informationen

Historical Context: This Denier, minted in Esslingen (1002-1024), belongs to Henry II, the last Ottonian Holy Roman Emperor. Reigning as King of Germany (1002) and Emperor (1014), Henry II (Saint Henry) strengthened imperial authority through ecclesiastical ties and consolidated his realm. Esslingen, an important imperial mint, underscores the Emperor's direct control over economic and administrative functions, reflecting coinage's role in asserting imperial power.

Artistry: The coin's artistry exemplifies the Ottonian numismatic style of the early 11th century. Engravers remain anonymous; designs are robust, stylized, and often abstract, prioritizing symbolic clarity over naturalism. Typical obverse designs feature a simplified imperial bust or cross. The reverse often depicts a cross, a building, or the mint name, "ESLINGA". Iconography consistently emphasizes imperial and Christian authority, consistent with early medieval artistic conventions.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 1.05 grams and measuring 20 millimeters, this silver denier exhibits features typical of early medieval coinage. High-points for wear, depending on design, include the emperor's crown or facial features on a bust, or cross terminals. Technical strike qualities are variable; flans are frequently irregular, and strikes can be off-center or uneven, leading to partial legends or design elements. Weakness in strike is common, particularly on edges, requiring careful assessment of remaining detail.

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