Light Denier - Henry

Historical Context: This Light Denier was issued by the Duchy of Bavaria under Duke Henry X the Proud, whose rule spanned from 1126 to 1139. A prominent member of the Welf dynasty, Henry X was a powerful prince within the Holy Roman Empire, a significant rival to the rising Hohenstaufen influence. The issuance of this silver denier reflects the decentralized nature of monetary authority during the High Middle Ages, where regional dukes exercised considerable autonomy, minting coinage essential for local commerce and asserting their sovereignty.

Artistry: Typical of early 12th-century German coinage, the engraver remains anonymous, a common practice of the Romanesque period. The design, while not explicitly detailed, would have followed the prevailing stylistic conventions, likely featuring a stylized bust of the duke, a cross, or perhaps an architectural motif, rendered in a somewhat simplified and robust manner. Such designs often prioritized symbolic representation over naturalistic depiction, characteristic of the era's artistic output in metalwork and numismatics.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver and weighing 0.82 grams, this coin represents a specific "light" weight standard for deniers of the period. High points, such as the central elements of the bust or cross, are often susceptible to wear. The strike quality typically exhibits broad, somewhat irregular flans, and minor off-center strikes or areas of weakness are not uncommon, reflecting the manual minting processes of the time. Original luster is rarely preserved on these early medieval issues.