Denier - Lothair I bust and temple, Christian legend

Historical Context: Issued in 823, this Denier dates to the co-emperorship of Lothair I with his father, Louis the Pious, over the unified Carolingian Empire. This era represents a crucial period following Charlemagne's monetary reforms, preceding the empire's eventual fragmentation. Lothair's coinage asserted his imperial authority and the continuity of Carolingian governance, emphasizing the Christian foundation of the realm amidst growing dynastic tensions. The standard weight of 1.58 gg reflects the empire's commitment to economic stability.

Artistry: The anonymous artistry of this Denier exemplifies the Carolingian Renaissance style, blending late Roman and Byzantine influences with Germanic simplification. The obverse typically features a stylized bust of Lothair I, often frontal, representing imperial majesty. The reverse prominently displays a temple, frequently interpreted as a church or Heavenly Jerusalem, symbolizing Christian piety and the divine legitimacy of Carolingian rule, often accompanied by legends such as "XPISTIANA RELIGIO."

Technical/Grading: Technical strike quality for these deniers is often variable. High-points on the obverse bust include the nose, forehead, and crown; on the reverse temple, the apex, central cross, and columns are critical. Irregular flans, off-center strikes, and weak legends are common due to inconsistent die pressure or worn dies. Despite these production inconsistencies, the silver purity was generally high. A well-centered example with full legends and sharp details across both bust and temple is highly sought after.