CNG 112, Lot: 756. Estimate $500. Sold for $380. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GERMANY, Lippe (Herrschaft). Bernhard IV. 1265-1275. AR Pfennig – Sterling (18mm, 0.99 g, 7h). Uncertain mint. Struck in the name of Bernhard III. BЄRNh[ARD]V III’, crowned facing bust holding lis-tipped scepter / [W](AL) TЄM ON L V(ND), voided long cross, with central pellet; triple pellets in quarters. J.J. North, “Long Cross Imitations and Forgeries,” in BNJ 65 (1995), p. 105; Weweler 31; Weweler Collection 60 (same rev. die; Bernhard III or IV); Ribnitz 229; Chautard –. Areas of weak strike. VF. Very rare.

North attributes pieces with the reverse legend “W(AL) TЄM” to the reign of Bernhard IV, based on their absence from the Brussels hoard. This coin shares a reverse die with an issue naming Simon I (Weweler 46; Weweler Collection 69), lending further strength to the later date.