GERMANY. Ulm (Königliche Münzstätte) (?). Friedrich II, 1215-1250. Bracteate (Silver, 19 mm, 0.46 g, 12 h), circa 1240. Half-length bust of Friedrich II to left, tower over fortified wall and a flag to his right and an arch with an annulet below. Rev. Incuse of obverse. Berger -. Cahn -. Klein/Ulmer (CC) 287. Ulmer -. Rare and nicely toned. Minor areas of weakness, otherwise, good very fine.


The origin of this enigmatic type remains uncertain. On stylistic grounds, Klein and Ulmer have associated it with the sphere of the imperial mint at Ulm. In particular, its close stylistic similarity to a type found in the 1180 hoard strongly supports this conclusion (cf. M. Heinz: Der Münzfund von 1180, Stuttgart 2019, no. 20.). The secular attributes of the figure depicted on the coin - chain mail, conical helmet, and a banner lance - may in fact point to a reeve, count, or noble lord as the issuing authority.