Imperial Denaro - In name of Frederick II

Emissor Cremona, City of
Ano 1254-1300
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valor Denaro (1⁄240)
Moeda Lira
Composição
Peso 0.94 g
Diâmetro 18 mm
Espessura
Formato Round (irregular)
Técnica Hammered
Orientação Coin alignment ↑↓
Gravador(es)
Em circulação até
Referência(s) CNI IV#26, MEC XII#469
Descrição do anverso Lettering in three lines, in form of cross, around a central annulet, within inner cabled circle.
Escrita do anverso Latin
Legenda do anverso FREDERICVS (S sideways) Ω P · R I
(Translation: Emperor Frederick)
Descrição do reverso Cross pattée, with star in first and second quarters within cabled circle.
Escrita do reverso Latin
Legenda do reverso ✠ • CREMONA •
Bordo
Casa da moeda
Tiragem ND (1254-1300) - -
ID Numisquare 1376587830
Informações adicionais

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.

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