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GERMANY, Frankfurt (Imperial and royal mint city). Heinrich VI. 1190-1197. AR Bracteate (29mm, 0.71 g). Heinrich enthroned facing, holding lis-tipped scepter and globus cruciger, between two curved towers; CЄVRA ЄLΛRIЄ around, HPNIЄR in exergue / Incuse of obverse. Kestner 2363-4; Bonhoff 1520; Löbbecke –. Toned. EF.
From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Wolfgang Fried Collection (Künker 232, 17 June 2013), lot 237.
Bracteates developed in Germany during the twelfth century as a response to the general decline in Europe of the weight of the standard coin, the silver penny. (The term itself was not used contemporarily, but originated in the 17th century. It comes from the Latin word "bractea" meaning a leaf.) This decline was caused by the supply of silver bullion being insufficient to meet economic demands for coinage. Some of the finest mediaeval numismatic art was inspired by this seemingly unconnected supply problem, as the flans spread in order to counteract the decrease in the penny's perceived (and actual) value. Another positive side effect, at least for numismatists and art lovers, of the spread flan was increased frequency and diversity of design change. The fragility of the new coin caused it to wear quickly in circulation, requiring many renovationes moneta.
The final winners of all Triton XXV lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 11-12 January 2022. Triton XXV – Session Four – Early Medieval & Islamic Coinage through Large Lots will be held Wednesday afternoon, 12 January 2022 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.
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