Denier - Henry II Esslingen mint

Emittente Holy Roman Empire
Anno 1002-1024
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valore 1 Denier (Pfennig)
Valuta Denier (843-1385)
Composizione Silver
Peso 1.05 g
Diametro 20 mm
Spessore
Forma Round (irregular)
Tecnica Hammered
Orientamento Variable alignment ↺
Incisore/i
In circolazione fino al
Riferimento/i KR#4, Dann Sa#951-952, Kluge Kar#84
Descrizione del dritto Crowned bust facing right, legend surrounding.
Scrittura del dritto Latin
Legenda del dritto +HEINRICVS
(Translation: Henry.)
Descrizione del rovescio Hand comming down from arch in sky laing on a cross. Legend surrounding.
Scrittura del rovescio Latin
Legenda del rovescio S VITALIS
(Translation: Saint Vitalis.)
Bordo
Zecca
Tiratura ND (1002-1024) - -
ID Numisquare 1133339380
Informazioni aggiuntive

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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