Thüringen Mainz, . Heinrich I of Harburg, 1142-1153 AD
Thüringen Mainz, . Heinrich I of Harburg, 1142-1153 AD
AR Brakteat, Erfurt , , 0.70g (43mm, 12h).
Bust of Saint Martin with crosier and book behind wall arch with two crenellated towers and four crenellations. From below, the Archbishop r. with hands raised, l. tower, r. the name HEyRC.
Pedigree: Fritz Rudolf Künker 130, Osnabrück 2007, lot 2088. From the de Wit collection, part 2
References: Berger 2108; Slg. Walther 24; Slg. Pick 51.
Grade: Detailed and interesting imagery. Well toned and struck with all details visible. Jagged edges, otherwise Mint State for issue. (wc1236)
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Heinrich I of Harburg (Henry I of Harburg) was archbishop of Mainz from 1142. His claim to fame was his dispute with the Pope at the time, Eugene III over the change from Benedictines to canons at the Heidenheim Abbey. Henry also actively disputed the coronation of Frederick I, Barbarossa (the red beard). Many coins from this time have a deep connection with religion as church and state were intertwined. This bracteate has beautiful imagery and is struck on an extremely thin piece of metal. Bracteates were meant to be turned in at one point and that person would then be reissued a new bracteate. The thin nature of the coinage lends itself to broken, cracked or jagged pieces. Having one in good order is a rarity.