France. Carolingian Empire. Charlemagne (768-814) or Charles II, the Bald (840-877) silver Denier, PCGS MS63. Melle mint. Roberts-981, Dup-606; MG-1063; Prou 688/692-8. 19mm. 1.42gm. 9h.
Struck 793/4-812, or 864-877. +CΛRLVS REX FR, cross pattée / +METVLLO, Karolus monogram. Depeyrot-606; M&G-1063; MEC 1, 923-33. Research by Guillaume Sarah (“Charlemagne, Charles the Bald, and the Karolus Monogram Coinage,” in NC 2010) indicates that monogram deniers with the legend CΛRLVS REX FR were potentially struck as late as the reign of Charles the Bald. While Sarah’s metallurgical analysis identifies and dates individual varieties of these Denier issues, without hoard provenance, or until a die study is completed, attribution of these particular issues of Melle to either Charles is not possible. By far the finest certified of the type at PCGS, with superb centering and strike detail.
Rex says, "I find these Karolus monogram coins to be quite appealing, in part due to of how well-designed the monogram itself is. The K, R, S, and L appear at angles around a central diamond-shaped O, The upper half of which can also be viewed as an A, and the lower half as a V - spelling KAROLVS as a whole."
PCGS Certification Number: 40729500
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