A Medieval Pfennig (?)

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Sulla80, May 25, 2019.

  1. Sulla80

    Sulla80 Well-Known Member

    I am trying to link this coin to the right time and ruler - I've found very similar coins in multiple auctions and databases attributed to two different emperors : with many examples referencing Bonhoff 2023 or 2026 of
    Frederick II 1215-1250 and Conrad the Younger or Conradin 1254-1268.

    I think that either way this is a Silver Pfennig from the 13th century Nürnberg - with both rulers having held the title of "King of Sicily". Why were pfennigs being issued by Sicilian Kings? Conradin also seems to have gone by Conrad II, II, and IV as he took on different titles? Hopefully a medieval expert can put me on the right path.
    Frederick II Nurnberg.jpg


    Germany, Nürnberg, Friedrich II (1215-1250), Pfennig
    Obv: Lion advancing left.
    Rev: Crowned bust facing, holding two sceptres.
    Size: 0.75g, 17.5mm
    Ref: Bonhoff 2023

    OR

    Germany, Nürnberg, Konradin 1258-1268, Pfennig
    Obv: Lion standing left
    Rev: Kings bust facing, holding two fleur-de-lis-tipped sceptres
    Size: 0.75g, 17.5mm
    Ref: Bonhoff 2023

    OR

    something else?

    Interested in any advice, resources or information on this coin and it would be great to see other medieval pfennigs.
     
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  3. Orielensis

    Orielensis Well-Known Member

    Your attribution is absolutely right – your pfennig is Bonhoff 2023 and was struck at the imperial mint in Nuremberg.

    The problem is that different reference works tentatively attribute this coin either to Frederick II, to Konradin, or even to the following years of the Great Interregnum (1254–1273). As far as I know, there is no consensus. Often, it's simply attributed to "1240–1268". This is quite typical in medieval German numismatics – it's still a field with many open questions. A detailed evaluation of more hoard data might yield some clarity. If I were you, I'd provisionally write "Nuremberg, Imperial Mint, mid-13th c." on your tag and wait whether someone publishes new research...

    These are the other catalogue references apart from Bonhoff:
    - Herbert J. Erlanger: Die Reichsmünzstätte in Nürnberg (1979), no. 67.
    - Sammlung Herbert J. Erlanger: Nürnberg, auction catalogue Bank Leu AG, Zürich (1989), no. 28.
    - Hans Gebhart: Der Münzfund von Hersbruck (1936), no. 34.

    Here is a later medieval Bavarian pfennig – the monogram fortunately allows to safely attribute it:
    MA – Herzogtum Bayern-München, Mönchspfennig.png
    Duchy of Bavaria-Munich, Ernest I and William III, AR pfennig, 1402–1435 AD, Munich mint. Obv: head of monk wearing hood l. Rev: EW in circle. 15mm, 0.46g. Ref: Beierlein 160–165.
     
    Last edited: May 25, 2019
  4. FitzNigel

    FitzNigel Medievalist

    Frederick II was both king of Sicily and the Holy Roman Emperor. His father was HRE Henry VI, who married Constance, the heir to the Norman kingdom of Sicily. Here is one of his from Sicily:

    Med-14-Sic-1243-Frederick II-D-Brindisi-555.jpg
    Kingdom of Sicily
    Frederick II, r. 1197-1250 (1243)
    Brindisi Mint, BL Denari, 18.64 mm x .07 grams
    Obv.: +F●ROM●IPR’●SeP●AVG. Bare head right.
    Rev.: +R●IERSL’●ET SICIL’. Eagle facing with head r.
    Ref.: MEC 14.555-7

    Conrad was his son, and his number changes depending on which Kingdom he is ruling over. Conrad I of Sicily, but Conrad IV of Italy and Conrad II of Jerusalem. Unfortunately I have no coins of Conrad. Frederick II and his family are fascinating (and I don’t tend to meander outside the Twelfth Century often...)
     
  5. Sulla80

    Sulla80 Well-Known Member

    Thank you both for the information, I will tag as : ""Nuremberg, Imperial Mint, mid-13th century Bonhoff 2023" and check again in 10 years :)
     
    Orielensis likes this.
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