I bought this one for my one-medieval/hammered-coin-from-each-city-I-visited-in-Europe collection. This one was exciting because it really captured the importance of medieval Cologne. This story stood out to me when I read about the history when I was there. In 1164, Archbishop Rainald von Dassel of Cologne (archbishop 1159-1167) had the (supposed!) bones of the three Magi transferred to Cologne from Milan. They were gifted to Rainald by the Italian emperor Frederick I for his services in quelling a rebellion in Milan. During their time in Milan, they were quite unappreciated for what they were. However, the Rainald greatly advetised these holy relics, making them one of the most famous relics in the Christian world. This turned Cologne into a major pilgrimage spot and a location where important travelers would stop to venerate the relics. The relics of the three Magi were stored in the Cologne church, which was portrayed prominently on the reverse of Rainald’s coins. This was to draw attention to this building. However, it looks nothing like the Cologne Cathedral. That is because the Cathedral in which the relics are stored today is not the original church. The original one was begun in 873. Below is a drawing of what this church looked like (it was demolished in 1817). You can see the striking similarities between the two structures, leaving no doubt as to the identification of the building portrayed on the reverse. This is the original design of Rainald’s coinage, showing the drastic difference post-1164. My type is more common, which makes sense for propaganda reasons. As for my set, I visited 24 cities. I have 5 cities covered, I have 11 to be aquired in the near future, 1 will probably stay represented with an ancient coin, 2 currently represented by “modern” coins, and It seems 3 did not produce coinage.
And here is a cheap coin I bought from the following archbishop. If there was any doubt that the above coin represents the original church, this coin should quell those doubts.
Yep, one of those is now going on my list. What a great looking coin. You have also chosen a wonderful personal and interesting collecting theme. I really like themed collections.
Hey nice coin @TypeCoin971793 I really like it. As Orfew said, one of those coins is now on my want list. The only ecclesiastical coinage I have is this one from Italy. It is a denaro from the Patria del Friuli that was minted in Aquileia. Patria del Friuli AR Denaro 1273-1299 AD Aquileia mint 21.7mm 1.15g Obv: Patriarch Raimondo della Torre, wearing episcopal regalia, seated facing, holding ferula and ornamented book; RAIMVND[V'] PA. Rev: Crossed fleur de lis; +AQVILE GENSIS Biaggi 154.
This is a very nice idea! I like the thought of building a small medieval collection of all the places you visited, and wish you good luck for this project.
I assume use someone else’s coinage. Did these cities make any coinage? Nice, France Cannes, France Galway, Ireland
Wow, @TypeCoin971793! That coin is loaded with eye appeal and the reason for its acquisition makes it even more wonderful!
A nice looking Coin! I like the collecting idea. My Avatar is Reinald’s successor: Cologne Archbishop Philipp von Heinsberg, r. 1167-1191 AR Denier, 3rd type, 18.05 mm x 1.4 grams Obv.: HITARCH EPICOV, Archbishop with mitre, crosier, and bible seated on lion throne Rev.: EIACOLONIA PAICHAI, Three towers over wall and gate, likely representing the Cathedral of St Peter, Cologne Ref.: De Wit 1993 Original post here
Under Edward IV Galway was a regional mint for his Irish coinage. Unfortunately only one specimen was known to exist and it disappeared in the 1970s when the collection it was a part of was stolen. That said, these coins are always turning up and are regularly misidentified given their state. More may very well be out there. Here is my example of the coinage from Dublin.
Nice had notgeld issued for it. The 1922 issue of it has the phrase “Mamo-Cannes” on the side. Here is a link to it. Is it too modern?
If it’s the only affordable option, then I’ll let it slide. “Affordable” is the key word here. They may have produced a coin in medieval times, but I won’t spend thousands of dollars just for the sake of meeting this little project. My budget is $100 per coin, and many will be less than that, and some will be a little more.
