Denier - Louis IV Angouleme mint

Uitgever West Francia, Kingdom of
Jaar 936-954
Type Standard circulation coin
Waarde 1 Denier (1⁄240)
Valuta Pound (840-987)
Samenstelling Silver
Gewicht
Diameter
Dikte
Vorm Round (irregular)
Techniek Hammered
Oriëntatie Variable alignment ↺
Graveur(s)
In omloop tot
Referentie(s) Morrison#1646, Nouchy#1 (p.287), Depeyr Car#50, PA#LVII/1
Beschrijving voorzijde Cross in a beaded circle, legend aorund.
Schrift voorzijde Latin
Opschrift voorzijde ✠ LODOICVƧ
(Translation: Louis.)
Beschrijving keerzijde Four annulets around a crosslet in a beaded circle, legend around.
Schrift keerzijde Latin
Opschrift keerzijde ✠ EGOLIഗഗIME
(Translation: Angouleme.)
Rand
Muntplaats
Oplage ND (936-954) - -
ND (936-954) - Cross with four pellets in angles. -
Numisquare-ID 1767823880
Aanvullende informatie

Historical Context: This Denier of Louis IV, minted in Angouleme (936-954), reflects a tumultuous era in West Francia. Louis IV d'Outremer struggled to assert Carolingian authority against powerful regional magnates. Its issuance from a comital mint like Angouleme underscores the decentralized nature of power. While local counts controlled minting, the royal name on the coin represented nominal acknowledgment of royal suzerainty, even as effective power shifted to local lords.

Artistry: This Denier's artistic execution aligns with the early medieval Carolingian numismatic tradition, prioritizing functional symbolism over elaborate aesthetics. Engravers are unidentifiable; dies were cut by local artisans. Stylistic elements favor clear inscription and symbolic representation. Designs typically feature a central cross on the obverse, often with mint name (ENGOLISM) or royal title. The reverse displays a stylized royal monogram (LVDOVICVS) or simple legend, characteristic of provincial mints.

Technical/Grading: Critical high-points for wear and strike quality on this Denier include the central elements of the cross, the royal monogram, and the highest points of the lettering. Early medieval coinage from provincial mints like Angouleme frequently exhibits significant technical irregularities. Common issues include off-center strikes, leading to incomplete legends, and uneven flans. Weakness in strike is prevalent on the periphery, resulting in flat or partially obscured legends.

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