140, Lot: 243. Estimate $100. Sold for $95. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GERMANY, Magdeburg. Albrecht von Käfernburg, Bishop. 1205-1232. AR Bracteate Moritzpfennig (24mm, 0.67 g). Nimbate St. Maurice standing between two towers, holding a cross and a banner, in the arch beneath, a small head; garbled legend. Bonhoff 712; Berger 1586. VF.

From a technical aspect, this unassuming bracteate pfennig appears to be unique in the German series. It could in fact be termed a two-sided bracteate. The obverse design is raised, or repousée, as is normal. Except for the small head beneath the arch. That head is incuse on the obverse, with the raised features of the face on the reverse. Some anonymous die engraver decided to carry out a small experiment in engraving.