Denier immobilized in the name of Louis IV crozier

Historical Context: This denier, struck by the Bishopric of Langres between 1150 and 1200, represents a fascinating example of a "type immobilisé." While bearing the name of Louis IV (reigned 936-954), the coin was issued two centuries after his reign, demonstrating the enduring prestige of Carolingian names and the practice of later authorities continuing established coin types. During the High Middle Ages, powerful ecclesiastical lordships like Langres asserted their feudal right to mint coinage, often independent of direct royal control. The inclusion of the crozier explicitly signals the episcopal authority of Langres as the true issuer, highlighting the significant temporal power wielded by bishops in medieval France.

Artistry: The design of this denier is characteristic of the Romanesque period, reflecting the stylistic conventions of 12th-century medieval coinage. While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for issues of this era, the coin's artistry would have been executed by a local mint master or artisan under the bishop's authority. The obverse likely features a central cross, a ubiquitous symbol on medieval deniers, while the reverse would display the titular inscription "LVDOVICVS" (Louis IV) alongside the distinctive crozier, the symbol of the Bishop of Langres. The "immobilized" nature implies a deliberate adherence to an earlier, revered design, prioritizing continuity and legitimacy over contemporary artistic innovation.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver with a weight of 0.7 grams and a diameter of 19 millimeters, this denier exhibits typical characteristics of medieval hammer-struck coinage. High-points for preservation would include the central elements such as the crozier and the cross, as well as the most prominent letters of the inscription. Technical strike qualities often vary widely; common issues include off-center strikes, planchet irregularities, and variable strength of impression across the flan due to the manual striking process. A well-centered strike with full details on the crozier and legible legends would represent a premium example, despite the inherent crudeness compared to later numismatic productions.