Coin of Charlemagne
Type:
Coins
Date:
768–814
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Germany
Medium:
Silver
Dimensions:
19 mm in diameter
Description:
This Carolingian denier (silver penny) was minted in Mainz, known as Mogontiacum when it was founded by the Romans in the first century BCE. Both sides feature inscriptions around a central motif. On the obverse is Charlegmagne's monogram, the letters of the name "Karolus" arranged into a single symbol (see the clearer black-and-white rendering of the monogram). Around the edge, using a variant spelling of the name Charles, is written "+CARLVS REX FR[ancorum]" (a cross followed by "Charles, King of the Franks"). On the reverse, "+MOGONTIA" (Mainz) appears around the image of a cross on three steps. According to Charlemagne's monetary reforms, 240 deniers were equivalent to a pound of silver.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
5
Repository and Online Resources:
• For more Carolingian coins, see the page on continental coins on the Kornbluth Photograph website.
Image Credits:
Genevra Kornbluth, Wikimedia Commons
Tags:
Status and identity,
Christian,
Latin,
Western European,
Coins,
Metalwork
