GERMANY. Ulm (Königliche Münzstätte). Friedrich II, 1215-1250. Bracteate (Silver, 20 mm, 0.37 g), circa 1220-1250. Crowned and draped bust of Friedrich II facing, holding sword in his right hand over his left shoulder; behind, flower branch. Cahn 185. Häberle -. Klein 77. Klein/Ulmer 138. Ulmer -. Wüthrich -. Extremely rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, a highly attractive piece with beautiful old cabinet toning. Extremely fine.


The dotted border places this rare Bracteate within the important Konstanz monetary region, whose northernmost mint was Ulm - the origin of this extremely rare issue. This piece and the following specimen (see lot 437 below) rank among the last artistically distinguished bracteates of Ulm before the decline of the Staufer era. Owing to its great rarity, this particular type is absent from many of the most significant Bracteates collections.