Large Medieval Hoard Uncovered
The largest find of medieval bracteate coins in recent times was recently announced in Glottertal, Germany. Those studying the find hope to gain a new perspective on the area’s local history and contemporary silver mining operations.
A hoard of approximately 1,600 silver bracteate coins was recently announced in Glottertal, Germany.
Glottertal is situated in the Black Forest in the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district. Archaeological evidence indicates iron smelting has taken place there since Roman times. Silver mining began during the 11th century. A 15-kilometer water channel supplying the mines with water was built in 1284. Mining activities ceased late in the 12th century following the mines' flooding.
According to a Stuttgart Regional Council statement, the hoard was discovered in May. The coins were uncovered during the installation of a water pipe near the village swimming pool. The workers were accompanied by Claus Volker, who was hired by the State Office for Monument Preservation.
Volker reported seeing what he initially described as “small metal plates.” What he had found was a hoard of approximately 1,600 silver bracteate coins. Bracteates are very thin uniface coins, the obverse image penetrating to the reverse in incuse form. It is believed bracteate coinage began in the 12th century. They were minted by hundreds of independent continental European political entities through at least the 15th century. Bracteates were commonly recalled (Renovatio monetae or coin renewal) at a favorable exchange rate to the coin issuing authority, who then re-coined them using different designs.
Volker reported the discovery to SOMP. SOMP archaeologist Andreas Haasis-Berner said, “The next morning, he examined the place a second time, and now, his wife found a huge amount. Some hours later, I went to the place and dug about 1,000 coins.”
The area was then swept with metal detectors to find the balance of the coins. A Stuttgart Regional Council statement said, “Despite sometimes adverse conditions — the rain turned the waste into knee-deep mud — the commissioners did not let themselves be deterred. Their persistence was rewarded with the discovery of around 600 more coins.”
The coins were initially field-cleaned before being sent to a lab for further study. Haasis-Berner determined most of the coins were minted about 1320, the majority having been produced at Breisach, Freiburg in Breisgau, and Zofingen. Smaller numbers originated from Basel, Colmar, Laufenburg, St. Gallen, and Zurich.
Breisach issued 19-millimeter, 0.39-gram silver bracteates on which the city's shield appears. Coins of Breisach are known from as early as Heinrich I von Horburg (1180-1191).
Freiburg bracteates are about 15mm and weigh 0.24 grams. The later Freiburger rappen was associated with the Rappenmunzbund coinage used in the southern Upper Rhine region for about 180 years following attempts to create a larger coinage area in about 1377.
Holy Roman Emperor Frederic II granted Zofingen the right to strike coins in 1239. Numerous designs were issued, but all are imitations of coin designs from other coin-issuing authorities.
Haasis-Berner said the mix of many issuing entities illustrates the extensive trade networks and currency circulation within the region during the early 14th century. He hopes the hoard will provide information on aspects of the region’s history, including the circulation of coins in Breisgau, the minting activities of local mints, mining operations in Glottertal at that time in history, and the local silver trade.
“Glottertal has been one of the most important mining areas for the dukes of Freiburg,” according to Haasis-Berner. “The site where the coins were found was a main settlement area for miners.”
Haasis-Berner estimates the hoard would have had the value of approximately 150 sheep. There are no clues as to why the coins were buried, although they were likely hidden to prevent theft, as a substitute for using a bank, or due to some local conflict.
The find is the largest since about 5,000 coins dating from the 1280s were discovered in 1949 in Freiburg. Four additional but smaller hoards dating from the same period have been found in the greater region.
Haasis-Berner explained, “With these treasures, we can see which coins have been common,” adding, “The evaluation of this coin hoard will enable us to make statements about the circulation of coins in Breisgau, the minting activity in the mints, the silver trade, but also the mining in Glottertal.”
Glottertal is about 10 kilometers or six miles northeast of Freiburg. Freiburg was founded by the House of Zähringen, a dynasty ruled by dukes from around 1120 to 1218. The House of Urach took over the city following the end of the Zähringer line.
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