CAROLINGIANS. Charlemagne (Charles the Great). As Emperor Charles I, 800-814. AR Denier (20mm, 1.54 g, 3h). Class IV. Uncertain German C (Cologne or Confluentia [Koblenz]) mint. Struck 812-814.

Triton XXIII – Session Three – Roman Imperial Coinage Part II through World Coinage Part I
Lot: 1028. Estimated: $ 10 000

Early Medieval, Silver

Sold For $ 30 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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CAROLINGIANS. Charlemagne (Charles the Great). As Emperor Charles I, 800-814. AR Denier (20mm, 1.54 g, 3h). Class IV. Uncertain German C (Cologne or Confluentia [Koblenz]) mint. Struck 812-814. KAROLVS IMP AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; C below / XPISTIANA RELIGIO , temple façade. Cf. Grierson, Coins of Medieval Europe 87 (for another portrait issue, but with ship reverse); cf. Coupland, Charlemagne 3-6; Depeyrot 1167 = M&G 315 corr. = Münzkabinett der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin, 18202749 (same obv. die); MEC 1, –. Rough surfaces. Toned. Fine. Extremely rare.

From the Richard A. Jourdan Collection of Medieval European Coins, purchased from Andy Singer, 2008.

This extremely rare portrait issue depicting Charlemagne wearing a laurel wreath and bearing the title IMP AVG belongs to the last two years of his long reign. Although Charlemagne had been crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day 800 it was not until 812 that his imperial title was recognised by the Byzantines. Charlemagne died two years later.

The final winners of all Triton XXIII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 14-15 January 2020. Triton XXIII – Session Three – Roman Imperial Coinage Part II through World Coinage Part II will be held Wednesday morning, 15 January 2020 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and in person at the public auction, 22.50% for all others.