Denier Viennois - Amadeus VI

Historical Context: This Denier Viennois was issued by Amadeus VI, the "Green Count," of Savoy (1343-1383), a period marked by the Hundred Years' War and the Black Death. Savoy, strategically located in the Alpine region between France and Italy, was a powerful and expanding county. The "Denier Viennois" type indicates an imitation of the widely circulating coinage from the Dauphiné of Vienne, a significant regional economic standard, particularly after its acquisition by the French crown in 1349. Savoy's adoption of this module facilitated cross-border trade and asserted its economic presence in a complex political landscape.

Artistry: Engravers for late medieval billon deniers like this are universally anonymous, reflecting the utilitarian nature of the coinage. The artistic style is typical of regional Alpine mints of the era, prioritizing iconographic clarity over elaborate detail. The design would feature a central cross on one side, and likely a stylized monogram of Amadeus (e.g., AME) or the heraldic cross of Savoy on the other, encircled by a conventionalized Latin legend. These elements are generally rendered with robust, albeit often crude, lines suited to the small, thin flan and the billon alloy.

Technical/Grading: As a billon coin (0.63 gg, 16.5 mmm), this Denier Viennois is inherently susceptible to weak strikes, irregular flans, and surface degradation. For grading, critical high-points include the legibility and completeness of the central devices: the cross and the ruler's monogram or heraldry. The clarity of the surrounding legend, often abbreviated or partially off-flan, is also paramount. Evenness of strike, minimal flan cracks, and a lack of significant corrosion or excessive wear are highly prized for this challenging type, where full detail is rarely encountered.