Denier two gryphon heads/lily

Historical Context: This Denier, issued by the City of Demmin, dates from the 13th to 15th centuries, a period of growing Hanseatic power in Pomerania. While Demmin exercised municipal minting rights, the "two gryphon heads" motif unequivocally references the House of Gryf, the ducal dynasty of Pomerania. This coinage thus reflects the city's economic autonomy within the broader ducal suzerainty, serving local commercial needs and asserting civic identity under the overarching authority of the Gryf dukes.

Artistry: The design exemplifies the pragmatic aesthetic of medieval civic coinage. The anonymous engraver employed a simplified Gothic heraldry, prioritizing immediate recognition. The obverse features the stylized "two gryphon heads," the clear heraldic emblem of the Pomeranian dukes. The reverse, bearing the "lily" (fleur-de-lis), a ubiquitous medieval symbol, likely denoted royal or ecclesiastical authority, or a specific mint mark, executed with similar directness on the small flan.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon at a remarkably light 0.4 grams, this Denier's technical qualities are typical of its era and material. High-points for preservation include the raised elements of the gryphon heads (eyes, beaks, crests) and the central petals of the lily. Due to the small flan and manual striking, examples often exhibit weak strikes, off-center alignment, and irregular planchets. Full, sharp detail across both sides is rare, making well-preserved specimens highly desirable for their clarity.