logo_moneymuseum

Holy Roman Empire, Duchy of Braunschweig, Henry the Lion, Bracteate

back

Holy Roman Empire, Duchy of Braunschweig, Henry the Lion, Bracteate (obverse) Holy Roman Empire, Duchy of Braunschweig, Henry the Lion, Bracteate (reverse)

The design on this bracteate is descriptive: Every contemporary knew immediately that the coin was issued by Henry the Lion, the duke of Saxony and Bavaria (1139-1195). The centre of Henry's realm was Braunschweig, where he had a famous monument erected that can be seen up to this day. It is the so-called Braunschweig Lion, the oldest freestanding sculpture of the Middle Ages north of the Alps.

back

Signet Sunflower Foundation