Plappart Large eagle

Historical Context: The Plappart Large eagle, issued by the City of Bern between 1388 and 1400, represents a crucial period of consolidation and assertion for the burgeoning Old Swiss Confederacy. Following the decisive victory at Sempach in 1386, Bern, as a powerful imperial city, solidified its independence from Habsburg influence and expanded its territorial control. This silver denomination, weighing 2.23 grams and measuring 24 mm, served as a vital regional currency, facilitating trade and demonstrating Bern's growing economic and political autonomy within the evolving Swiss landscape. Its issuance underscored the city's right to mint coinage, a hallmark of its sovereign aspirations.

Artistry: The design of the Plappart Large eagle falls firmly within the Late Gothic stylistic school, characterized by its heraldic and stylized representations rather than naturalistic depictions. While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for the period, the die cutter likely belonged to a local guild. The obverse prominently features a majestic, highly conventionalized eagle, symbolizing Bern's imperial immediacy and its status as a free imperial city. The reverse would typically display the Bernese bear or a cross, accompanied by a Latin legend, such as "MONETA BERNENSIS," indicating the issuing authority. The artistry prioritizes clear legibility and symbolic power over intricate detail, reflecting the practical needs of medieval commerce.

Technical/Grading: As a hand-struck coin of the late 14th century, the Plappart Large eagle exhibits characteristics typical of its production method. High points for wear and strike quality would include the eagle's head, wingtips, and talons on the obverse, and the details of the bear or cross on the reverse, along with the lettering of the legend. Due to manual striking, examples often display variations in centering, strike pressure, and planchet quality. Weak strikes, particularly at the periphery, and minor flan irregularities such as laminations or cracks are common. The silver content, weight, and broad 24 mm flan contribute to its distinctive feel, though the absence of a retaining collar means irregular shapes and plain edges are the norm.