SWITZERLAND. Basel, Bistum. Berthold von Pfirt, 1249-1262. Vierzipfliger Pfennig (Silver, 19 mm, 0.38 g), 1249-1262. Mitred bishop's bust facing in church portal with two towers. Rev. Incuse of obverse. Berger 2409. HMZ 1-227 a. Wielandt (Basel) 88. Wüthrich 16. Lightly toned and of great numismatic interest. Tiny edge splits and traces of overstriking, otherwise, extremely fine.



This attractive coin points to a fascinating chapter in the economic history of the Bracteate period. The exceptionally clear traces of overstriking are evidence of the regular recall of coinage (renovatio monetae). On designated market days, all circulating Bracteates were officially declared invalid and exchanged for a new issue. The exchange rate, however, was set in favor of the minting authorities. In effect, this was a form of taxation that also served to return silver to the mint. Although older issues were verifiably overstruck in rare instances, the usual practice was to melt down the recalled bracteates before striking new ones.