Denier - Otto III and Adelaide temple, EDILAD

Historical Context: This denier, issued between 983 and 995, dates to the crucial regency period of the child-emperor Otto III. Following Otto II's death, his grandmother Adelaide and mother Theophanu governed the Holy Roman Empire. The coin's prominent inscription "EDILAD" (Adelaide) underscores her immense political influence and vital role in stabilizing the empire during Otto III's minority. The temple motif likely symbolizes imperial authority or a significant ecclesiastical center, reflecting the Ottonian vision of a renovatio imperii Romanorum.

Artistry: The design of this denier exemplifies early Ottonian numismatic art, blending late antique and Byzantine influences with local Germanic styles. While individual engravers remain anonymous, the artistic school produced stylized yet potent imagery. The obverse features a distinctive temple structure, likely representing a prominent religious or imperial building. The explicit inclusion of "EDILAD" is a remarkable feature, directly acknowledging Empress Adelaide and her unique authority on imperial coinage of this era.

Technical/Grading: As a hammered silver denier, this type exhibits characteristic technical qualities. High-points, such as the temple's architectural details and legends, often show weakness due to inconsistent striking pressure. Flans are typically irregular in shape and thickness, and off-center strikes are common. Critical grading considerations include assessing the degree of die wear, planchet quality, and overall strike consistency. Despite variations, the silver purity for these Ottonian issues was generally high.