Denier - Immobilization in the name of Otto Minden mint
| Emittent | Holy Roman Empire |
|---|---|
| Jahr | 1000-1100 |
| Typ | Standard circulation coin |
| Nennwert | 1 Denier (Pfennig) |
| Währung | Denier (843-1385) |
| Material | Silver |
| Gewicht | 1.38 g |
| Durchmesser | |
| Dicke | |
| Form | Round (irregular) |
| Prägetechnik | Hammered |
| Ausrichtung | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Stempelschneider | |
| Im Umlauf bis | |
| Referenz(en) | Stange#4, Häv#102, Dann Sa#342 |
| Aversbeschreibung | Cross with dots in corners. |
|---|---|
| Aversschrift | Latin |
| Averslegende |
+ODDO+ IIIID (Translation: Emperor Otto.) |
| Reversbeschreibung | Cologne city name in 3-lines and leaf designs in field. |
| Reversschrift | Latin |
| Reverslegende |
S OLONI A (Translation: Cologne.) |
| Rand | |
| Prägestätte | |
| Auflage |
ND (1000-1100) - - |
| Numisquare-ID | 1002277920 |
| Zusätzliche Informationen |
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Historical Context: This Denier from Minden (1000-1100) exemplifies "immobilization" in the Holy Roman Empire under the Salian dynasty. Struck a century after the last Ottonian emperor, it bears "Otto's" name. This reflects the enduring Ottonian prestige, decentralized imperial authority allowing powerful ecclesiastical lords like the Bishop of Minden autonomous minting, and a preference for established, trusted coin types. It highlights the fragmented monetary sovereignty of the 11th-century Empire, where local mints operated independently.
Artistry: The artistic style is typical of early medieval Germanic coinage, prioritizing symbolic representation. Specific engravers are unknown; dies were cut locally in Minden. Designs feature schematic motifs: a stylized cross, simplified bust, or architectural representation on the reverse. Inscriptions, often crude with ligatures, include "OTTO" and "MINDEN." The aesthetic is robust and functional, reflecting its role as a medium of exchange.
Technical/Grading: For this Denier (Stange#4), key grading points are clarity of central motifs and legibility of "OTTO" and "MINDEN" in legends. Early medieval strikes often show weak areas or off-centering; a strong, well-centered strike on a round flan is highly desirable. Stylized bust or architectural details are crucial. Silver purity and the 1.38g weight are assessed against standards, as clipping or debasement impacts value.