© Münzkabinett - Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-SA 4.0)
© Münzkabinett - Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Denier - Charlemagne Geneva
| Silver | 1.14 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Unified Carolingian Empire |
|---|---|
| King | Charlemagne (Karolus) (768-814) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 771-793 |
| Value | 1 Denier (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound (751-843) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.14 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#345759 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Legend as a monogram.
Script: Latin
Lettering: IENVA
Unabridged legend: GENUA
Translation: Geneva.
Comment
The reverse of this coin is directly inspired by the one issued in Geneva by Pepin the Short (see link below), which has a G at the start of the legend, replaced here by three globules. The absence of this letter led Morrison and Grunthal to classify this coin among the indeterminate mints. Depeyrot meanwhile had attributed it to Avignon by turning the coin 180 degrees. This type is indeed a Geneva production, probably made in 773 during Charlemagne's stay in Geneva.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Denier - Charlemagne (Geneva) coin is that it was minted during a time of significant economic and political change in Europe. The Unified Carolingian Empire, which Charlemagne ruled, was a period of relative stability and prosperity, and the coinage issued during this time reflected the growing economic power of the empire. The use of silver in the coin's minting also speaks to the value placed on this precious metal during the time period.
