In early 2022, Denarius published two remarkable German bracteates in the space of two weeks: a huge coin from the archbishopric of Mainz and a beautifully patinated one from Halberstadt. Both are thin silver coins struck on one side only, from the second half of the 12th century.
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A 44 mm bracteate from Mainz
The first is a huge bracteate, 44 mm across and weighing 0.71 g, struck in 1183–1200 under Konrad I von Wittelsbach, Archbishop of Mainz. It is truly an impressive coin. Konrad held the see of Mainz twice, in 1161–1165 and again from 1183 until his death in 1200, and he was also a cardinal (Wikipedia).
The coin was still available in 2022, and it is still listed in our shop: Germany, bracteate 1183–1200.
Bishop Gero’s bracteate from Halberstadt
The second is a bracteate from Halberstadt dated 1160–1177, struck under Bishop Gero von Schermbke. It is in exceptional condition, and its blue patina could hardly be better. The obverse shows a bust of Saint Stephen with raised hands, with Bishop Gero holding a crozier beneath him. The coin weighs 0.85 g.
Saint Stephen is the patron saint of Halberstadt Cathedral, which explains his place on the coin. Gero’s years as bishop were turbulent: he was installed in 1160 after Bishop Ulrich had been driven out, and his time ended in 1177 when Ulrich returned after the Peace of Venice.
This bracteate is also still listed: Germany, bracteate 1160–1177. You will find more German bracteates under Prussia, Germany and Austria, and Norwegian bracteates from King Sverre’s time under Sverre Sigurdsson.
More German bracteates and the 1906 coronation medals
In the same newsletter we promised more exciting bracteates in the following weeks, along with other topics for 2022. Among them was an exceptional collection of medals from the coronation of King Haakon VII and Queen Maud in 1906.
Haakon had been elected to become the first king of an independent Norway after more than 500 years in union with Denmark and then Sweden. The Storting chose him unanimously on 18 November 1905, and the royal couple were crowned in Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim on 22 June 1906 (Store norske leksikon). One of these medals is available here: Norway, Haakon VII and Queen Maud Coronation Medal (1906).
The newsletter also reminded readers of our fundraiser for children and families in Ukraine, which ran until the end of March 2022.
