Denier - Sobon

Historical Context: The Denier of Sobon, minted 926-950, originates from the Archbishopric of Vienne, a powerful ecclesiastical center in post-Carolingian France. Archbishop Sobon asserted his right to coinage, a critical symbol of temporal sovereignty amidst the era's profound decentralization. This issue underscores the rise of autonomous feudal and church principalities in the Kingdom of Burgundy. These deniers were essential for local commerce, affirming the Archbishop's political and economic independence from distant royal authority.

Artistry: The anonymous engraver worked within the early medieval stylistic tradition common to feudal coinage. Designs are typically schematic and symbolic, prioritizing legibility and function over intricate detail. Deniers of this type commonly feature a central cross on the obverse, often with the mint name VIENNA. The reverse usually displays the ruler's name, SOBO, within a simplified monogram or legend. Lettering is frequently irregular, reflecting the manual production methods and varying skill of local mint masters.

Technical/Grading: This silver denier, at 1.15 grams and 20.5 millimeters, exhibits technical qualities typical of 10th-century feudal minting. High-points for wear are generally the central cross elements and the highest relief areas of lettering. Common technical flaws include irregular flans, off-center strikes, and minor planchet cracks due to manual striking. Strike quality varies significantly; some examples show clear legends, while others are weakly struck or double struck. Silver purity generally maintained a respectable standard for the period, though regional variations existed.