Imperial Denaro - In name of Frederick II
| Émetteur | Cremona, City of |
|---|---|
| Année | 1254-1300 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | Denaro (1⁄240) |
| Devise | Lira |
| Composition | |
| Poids | 0.94 g |
| Diamètre | 18 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | CNI IV#26, MEC XII#469 |
| Description de l’avers | Lettering in three lines, in form of cross, around a central annulet, within inner cabled circle. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers |
FREDERICVS (S sideways) Ω P · R I (Translation: Emperor Frederick) |
| Description du revers | Cross pattée, with star in first and second quarters within cabled circle. |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers | ✠ • CREMONA • |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (1254-1300) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1376587830 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
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Historical Context: The Imperial Denaro of Cremona, issued 1254-1300, is a poignant testament to Frederick II Hohenstaufen's enduring legacy, decades after his death in 1250. Cremona, a staunch Ghibelline city, maintained its loyalty, continuing to strike coinage "in nomine Frederici" as a declaration of political alignment and economic autonomy. This issue reflects complex northern Italian power dynamics, where communes asserted authority while acknowledging broader, often symbolic, imperial suzerainty.
Artistry: The design, typical of mid-13th century Italian communal coinage, exhibits a distinctive medieval aesthetic. Specific engravers are anonymous; the stylistic school leans towards simplified, robust iconography. The obverse likely features a stylized imperial eagle or emperor's bust, while the reverse typically bears a cross or the city's name. The execution, though not refined by later Renaissance standards, conveys a powerful message of civic identity and imperial allegiance.
Technical/Grading: Measuring 18 mm and weighing 0.94 grams, this Denaro generally presents characteristics common to its era. High-points for wear include central devices like the emperor's crown or eagle's head/wings, and cross extremities. Strikes are often irregular, with flans frequently exhibiting slight imperfections or being marginally off-center. Collectors should prioritize examples with clear legends and well-defined central motifs, crucial for assessing technical strike quality and overall grade.