Pugesa Teresa de Entenza, Balaguer,sharp tip of wide shield

Historical Context: This Pugesa, issued between 1314 and 1328, represents the authority of Teresa de Entenza, Countess of Urgell, during a pivotal period in medieval Catalan history. As the heiress of the County of Urgell and wife of Infante Alfonso of Aragon (later King Alfonso IV), Teresa held significant feudal power, which included the right to mint coinage in her territories, notably Balaguer, the capital. The issuance of low-denomination brass coinage like the Pugesa underscores the economic necessity for small change in daily transactions, reflecting the practical needs of the populace and the assertion of comital sovereignty.

Artistry: The design of this Pugesa, characterized by its "sharp tip of wide shield," is typical of early 14th-century Iberian feudal coinage. Lacking specific engraver attribution, the stylistic school is functional and heraldic, prioritizing clear identification of the issuer over intricate artistic detail. Such coins, often produced under varying conditions, would feature a simplified rendition of the comital arms or a distinguishing symbol. The "sharp tip of wide shield" likely refers to a specific form of escutcheon, a common numismatic identifier for different issues or mints within the same broader type.

Technical/Grading: Struck in brass and weighing a mere 0.35 grams, this Pugesa is a diminutive piece, indicative of its low intrinsic value and intended use as small change. Technical strike qualities for such issues are often inconsistent; flans may be irregular, and strikes can be off-center or weak, particularly on the periphery. For grading, key high-points include the clarity and completeness of the shield's outline, especially its "sharp tip," and any discernible elements within or around it. Legibility of any potential legends, though often rudimentary on Pugesas, would also be a critical factor in condition assessment.