Pfennig - Berthold V of Aquileia Gutenwerth

Historical Context: This Pfennig was issued during the powerful reign of Berthold V of Aquileia, Patriarch from 1218 to 1251, though the coin's 1200-1235 date range encompasses his early rule. As a prince-bishop, Berthold wielded significant temporal authority over the March of Istria-Carniola, a crucial strategic territory within the Holy Roman Empire. This coinage underscores the Patriarchate's economic sovereignty and its role as a key regional power, reflecting the influential feudal landscape of the early 13th century.

Artistry: Typical of early 13th-century central European coinage, the engraver remains anonymous; the coin reflects the transitional Romanesque-Gothic stylistic school. Pfennigs of this era are characterized by broad, thin planchets. The "Gutenwerth" type likely features a stylized representation of the Patriarch, possibly a seated figure or bust, often accompanied by ecclesiastical symbols like a cross, encircled by a legend identifying the issuer. The design emphasizes symbolic representation over naturalistic detail, common for this period's practical currency.

Technical/Grading: The coin, weighing 1.29 grams of silver, is characteristic of the thin, broad Pfennig series. High-points for this type are typically the central elements of the design, such as a figure's head or shoulders, or the center of a cross, which are prone to early wear. Technical strike qualities often include irregular flan shapes, off-center strikes, and varying striking pressure, resulting in areas of flatness or partial design, particularly at the edges. Die wear and minor planchet imperfections are also common for these medieval issues.