GERMANY. Magdeburg (Erzbistum). Wichmann von Seeburg, 1152-1192. Bracteate (Silver, 31 mm, 1.01 g, 12 h), Halle. WICMAN-NVS DEI Mitred bishop seated facing on curule chair, holding crosier in his left hand and palm branch in his right; in the left field, annulet. Rev. Incuse of obverse. Berger 2953. Bonhoff 907 (this coin). Hauswaldt 59. Löbbecke 296. Mehl 199. Rare and beautifully toned. Minor marks, some areas of weakness and tiny edge cracks, otherwise, very fine.



Among the remarkably extensive coinage of Wichman of Seeburg, Archbishop of Magdeburg - and arguably the most politically powerful prelate ever to hold that office - the vast majority consists of small bracteates measuring roughly 20 mm in diameter. In striking contrast, bracteates exceeding 30 mm are rare, as exemplified by the present piece.

While this unusual type was formerly attributed to the mint of Jüterbog, it is now conclusively established that it was struck in Halle on the Saale (cf. M. Mehl: Münz- und Geldgeschichte des Erzbistums Magdeburg im Mittelalter. Volume I, p. 128).