The coin: AR, 10mm, 1.08gr. Obv: Head. Rev: EF. Mint is Marseilles. Nemfidius, c. 710. R068v (similar obv., different rev.); MEC 558v (same as Roberts).

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.67gr. Obv: +CARLVS REX FR, central cross in a circle of dots, one dot in two quadrants diagonally opposed. Rev: +DORESTADO, central (very vague) KRLS monogram. Mint is Dorstadt (Netherlands). Charlemagne's coinage goes through several distinct phases. The CARLVS REX is third in a series of four distinct types. It is also a type that became very popular with subsequent Emperor Charles', leading to some identity confusion for collectors. There are a number of Charles the Bald coins below in this style. R966v; MG100v (cites a variation with diagonally opposing dots); Depeyrot 4A (793-812), 411 (42 examples), "dans quelques cas, seuls deux globes semblent figurer sur certaines tres rare monnaies;" Belaubre 36v; not in Nouchy. This coin was damaged and was very well repaired.

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.78gr. Obv: +HLVDOVVICVS IMP, central cross. Rev: PALA / TINAMO / NETA in three lines. Palace Mint. R1122; MG 320; Dep 743 (5 examples); Prou 8; MEC 780.
The king: "Louis, qui était roi d'Aquitaine depuis 781, devint empereur sans problème à la mort de son père en 814, seul fils légitime survivant. Dans la première partie de son règne, jusqu'à l'année 829, il continua l'œuvre de son père et son monnayage. La naissance de Charles d'un second mariage en 823 avec Judith de Bavière va amener ses autres fils, Lothaire, Pépin et Louis à se révolter contre lui. Il fut détrôné deux fois en 830 et 833 et le royaume resta divisé jusqu'à sa mort en 840."
The times: Louis was a son of Charlemagne. Louis sought to maintain stability in France, which which was complicated by problems of succession and ultimately led to the partition of the country. His efforts to maintain unity failed. Lothaire (first son by his first wife and co-emperor) took control of lands from Flanders to Italy, Louis (son by his first wife) lands in Germany and Charles (son by Judith, his second wife) in western France. Charles, known as the Bald, controlled the territory through which is traced the royal French lineage. He also assumed the territory (Aquitaine) of his half brother Pepin after Pepin's death. Louis ended a broken man and was 'detrone' (dethroned). Louis was a strong supporter of the Benedictine monastic movement and the partition of the country ran counter to the interests of the increasingly political papacy, which saw itself losing influence since rule in France was spread among a number of heirs. Pierre Riche' in The Carolingians offers a good discussion of the times. For a fuller exploration of the life and times of Louis the Pious, including genealogical notes and maps of his kindom, please visit the accompanying Louis the Pious Home Page.

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.67gr. Obv: +HLVDOVVICVS IMP, central cross. Rev: BITV/RICES in two lines. Mint is Bourges. R1086; MG 410 as B..././R...; Dep 6-B1, 177 (147 examples); MEC 766 which pictures the central reverse '.'; Nouchy LP19; not in BEL.

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR denier, 21mm, 1.67gr. Obv: +HLVDOVVICVS IMP, central cross in a solid circle. Rev: META/./LLVM. Mint is Melle. R1111v (does not show the  '.' separating the lines on the reverse);MG 398; Dep 6B1, 609 (11 examples); Bel 47v; Prou 715. From Roberts, "Louis the Pious redesigned the coinage in 819 and 822. Both changes involved a recall of all earlier coins and the introduction of a conspicuously different design." This coin replaced a portrait coin. Recalling previous coinage for a re-mint necessarily decreases examples of earlier coinage. This type itself was recalled  in 822.

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR obol, 11mm, .75gr. Obv: +LDVCSIMP, central cross. Rev: NAR/./BONA on two lines. Mint is Narbonne. R1118; MG 431 (cites 5 examples, weights between .72 - .83); Dep 7B2, 691 (4 examples); Prou 837.

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR denier 20mm, 1.8gr. Obv: +HLVDOVVICVS IMP, central cross. Rev: PARISII. R1123; MG 361; Dep 6-A1, 759 (50 examples); Prou 317; Bel 44.

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.31gr. Obv: +HLVDOVVICVS IMP, central cross. Rev: +TVRO/./NES in two lines. Mint is Tours. R1145; Dep 7-B1, 1036 (47 examples); MG 371; Prou 446; MEC 785; Bel 45.

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR denier, 21mm, 1.31g. Obv: +HLVDOVVICVS IIP, central cross. Rev: +VEN/ECIAS. Mint is Venice. R1158v; MG 456v (which has 'IMP,' the more typical ending of the obverse legend); Dep 1116D (271 examples); MEC 789.

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR denier, 21mm, 1.63gr. Obv: +HLVDOVVICVS IMP, central cross. Rev: +METALLVM, central cross. Mint is Melle. R1181; MG 400; Dep 7 E-1, 611 (11 examples); Bel 53; Prou 722; MEC 762; Nouchy LP 34.

(for a larger version click here)

 AR obol, 17mm, .64gr, 2nd issue. Obv: LVDO/VVIC, on two lines. Rev: +METALLVM, central cross in circle. Mint - Melle. R1164 (although reverse is closer to 1166); MG 394; MEC 777; Dep 7:E2, 613 (10 examples); Bel 52.

AR denier, 20mm, 1.76 gr. Obv: +HLVDOVVICVS IMP, central cross, no besants. Rev: +XPISTIANA RELIGIO, central temple with dot in the pediment. Mint is possibly Treves (Trier). R1211v (this has a + on either side of the temple. It is cross referenced to Gariel 43-24 which also has a cross on either side of the temple. Dep 1067B (as Treves with the note "seules les monnaies XRISTIANA RELIGIO attribuees a Treves sont compatibisees ici."). He does not indicate the number studied and it is not possible to differentiate  this coin from the Roberts/Gariel versions.  MG- (the only coin the cite has + on either side of the temple); Prou - (whose only besantless coin matches to MG 508a which has a cross on each side of the coin, no temple); Bel -; Nouchy -. Simon Coupland (1990) says these coins which "can be attributed to Trier are primarily distinguished by the absence of pellets in the quadrants of the reverse cross." However, he goes on to say the absence of pellets is not enough (without identifying possibilities other than Trier) and Trier coins generally have "square solid lettering, the occasional inclusion of pellets in the reverse legend ... (and) solid and compact temples" and sometimes a cross on either side of the temple. This coin lacks the bracketing reverse crosses and pellets in the reverse legend. Overall, it is likely this is a Trier coin. Ex. Peter Woodward Collection.

The coin: "Denier à la légende chrétienne, c. 822-840, (Argent, 20.5mm, 1,62gr), (poids théorique 2,039 g, taille 1/240 L., pm. 1,688g.). Obv: A/+ HLVDOVVICVS IMP. (Louis empereur). Croix cantonnée de quatre besants.  Rev: R/XPISTIANA RELIGIO. (Religion chrétienne). Temple tétrastyle avec un fronton triangulaire sommé d'une croisette, une croix au centre posée sur deux degrés. Flan large et régulier. Monnaie bien centrée." Description from CGB catalogue Monnaies VIII item 1055. Louis took the mint name off his coins after 822 and standardized the coinage. These 'temple style' coins can't be identified by mint, but there are variations among them on the reverse. Roberts notes that "over 5000 specimans of this type have survived, making it the commonist in the Carolingian series." Roberts 1208;  MG 472 (the most common type. The R/MG concordance matches to R1216.); Depeyrot 8 A1 (p.41) and 1179 (sans atelier), (794 examples); Belaubre 58-60.
    "La légende de revers (la religion chrétienne), inaugurée par Charlemagne, s'accompagne de la représentation d'un temple. C'est une nouvelle preuve de l'union du pouvoir politique et de l'Église inaugurée en 754 par le premier carolingien, Pépin le Bref. Un changement de taille dans les deniers intervient vers 822. Il est alors fabriqué 20 sous ou 240 deniers dans une livre de 18 onces, ce qui donne un poids théorique de 2,039 g. Ce type va être frappé pendant plus de deux siècles dans l'Occident médiéval. Le denier au temple est normalement une monnaie anonyme, sans lieu d'émission. Néanmoins, certains ateliers caractéristiques ont pu être isolés : c'est le cas de Dax, Orléans, Dorestadt, Maastricht, Trèves, Milan et Venise. Nous avons certainement affaire à un exemplaire posthume mais de bon poids (1,65 g), antérieur à la fin du IXe siècle. Ces monnaies ont été imitées par Louis le Germanique (840-876), Louis II le Bègue (877-879) ou Louis III de Saxe (876-882) ou enfin Louis III de France (879-882), sans oublier Louis III l'Aveugle (901-905)."

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.71gr. Obv: +HLVDOVVICVS IMP, central cross with four besants. Rev: +XPISTIANA RELIGIO, central temple. R1201; MG 472 (R/MG concordance does not match 472 to 1201 - no MG match for R1201); Dep 8 A1, 1179 (794 examples); Bel 58-60.

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.50gr.. Obv. Obv: +HLVDOVVICVS IMP, central cross with four besants. Rev: +XPISTIANA RELIGIO, central temple with a large cross, spikes on vertical pillars. R1201v; MG 472; Dep 8 A1, 1179 (sans atelier); Bel 58-9. MEC 794 and similar.

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.51gr. Obv: HLVDOVVICS IMP, central cross, four besants. Rev: +XPISTIANA RELIGIO, temple with spikes vertical columns. R 1201v (pillar type not evident in sources); MG472v (spiked pillars not noted in any descriptions); Dep 8 A1, 1179; Bel 58v-59v.

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.66gr. Obv: +HLVDOVVICVS IMP, central cross with four besants. Rev: +XPISTIANA RELIGIO, central temple set high in the field. R 1201; MG 472; Dep 8-A1, 1179 (794 examples), Bel 58-60.

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR denier, 21mm, 1.63gr. Obv: +HLVDOVVICVS IMP, central cross with dots in each quadrant. Rev: +XPISTIANA RELIGIO, dot in R of RELIGIO, central temple. MG 472, the most common type; Dep 8-A1, 662K (105 examples as a general type). The Series F Milan ids as "lettres plus plates, croix pattees, globes in legends);" Bel 54-58; seller Pegasi id's as "Italian style; pellet in R," and cites MEC 971v. MEC (1:217) decribes coins of Milan as with "pellets between or inside letters as privy marks, a feature peculiar to this mint and found on Louis' Classes 1 and 2."

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR obole, 16mm, 0.77gr.,  Fineness per thousand : +950°/oo. Obv: +NLVDOVVICVS IMP. Translation: (Louis, empereur). Description : Croix cantonnée de quatre besants. Rev: XPISTIANA RELICO. Translation : (Religion chrétienne). Description : Temple tétrastyle avec un fronton triangulaire sommé d'une croisette, une croix au centre posée sur deux degrés. Description of the condition of the coin : Flan large et régulier. Monnaie bien centrée. Petites concrétions vertes et  superficielles au revers.  Rarity level: R; Condition: TTB. Reference number in specialised litterature: CGB Monnaies IX #873 (description CGB); MG. 473; Roberts 1241; Depeyrot 8A2, 822-40, 1180 (no mint); Nouchy LP #7.

(for a larger version click here)

The coin: AR obol, 16mm, .639g. Obv: +HLVDOVVICVS I, central cross with four besants. Rev: +0PISTIANA RE, central cross. R1195v (obv. good match, rev. off); MG 512v; Prou 1046v; not clearly in Dep who associates the obverse legend with Aix la Chapelle and Toulouse; not in Nouchy. The unusual feature is the 'O' at the start of the reverse legend.

After Louis' death his kingdom was fought over and divided among his sons. For an overview of the battle of Fontenoy, the Treay of Verdun (843) and the Partition of Mersen (870) please visit the Fontenoy page.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 22mm, 1.41gr. Obv: +HLOTHARIVS IMP AV, central cross. Rev: PAPIA on one line. Mint is Pavia. R1932; MG 556; Dep 7A1, 780J (31 examples); Prou 904; MEC 822 (which defines the TH as ‘ligatured’).

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.24gr. Obv: HLOTHARIVS REX, central cross with four besants. Rev: VIRIDVN[VM] CIVIS, central temple. R1942; MG 1189; Dep 9B1, 1125 (11 examples); not in Bel. The latter two sources identify this as a scarce coin.  The mint is Verdun and after the Treaty of 843 went to Lothaire (a son of Louis the Pious). After 855 it passed to his son Lothaire II. After 869 it reverted to Charles the Bald. The coin is from the Lotharingia, a territory stretching from the Low Countries to northern Burgundy.

Louis II of Italy (855-875)

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 17mm, 1.1gr. Obv: +LVDOVVICVS INP, central cross over lines. Rev: +ANGILBERGA NP, central cross with eight rays. Mint is Benevent (It). R2013; MG 1178; Dep 10-F1, 141M (8 examples); MEC 1116; not in Prou.

AR denier, 22mm, 1.47gr. Obv: +CARLVS REX, central cross. Rev: +ARELA CIVIS, central monogram. Mint is Arles. Dep 13-01, 69 (14 examples). Depeyrot gives the dates as 876-880. MG 1423 as Charles III; Prou 862 as Charles le Gros (roi) same years; R lists 1269 as Charles of Provence but there is no coin image matching this number. Not in MEC, Bel and Nouchy. The more common Charles le Gros from Arles is CARLVS IMP. This is clearly a coin with variable attribution.

Boso (879-887

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

AR denier, 20mm, 1.46gr. Obv: +BOSO CRATIA DEI, central REX. Rev: +VIENNA CIVIS, central cross. Mint is Vienne. R1881; Dep 1142 (6 examples): MG 1262; MEC -; Bel -; Nouchy -.

AR denier, 20mm, 1.25gr. Obv retrograde: +SVIISVCIVVODVIII, central cross. Rev: blundered mint name in two lines. Mint is Strasbourg. R1993; MG 1555v. MG cites Prou 52, 53, which are not close matches. Not in Dep

AR denier, 21mm, 1.28gr. Obv: +CONRADVS, central cross. Rev: +LVGDVNVS, central cross sur fronton. Mint is Lyon. R1892; MG 1683; Dep 23-A1, 531 (1513 examples); Prou 634-37.

(for a larger version, click here)

AR denier, 21mm, 1.15gr. Obv: +CONRADVS, central cross. Rev: +LVGDVNVS, triangle surmounted by a cross. Mint - Lyon. R 1892; MG 1683 (last entry in the catalogue); Dep 23 937-993 A1, 531 (1513 examples); not in Bel.

Conrad was descended from the line of Guelf, Count of Bavaria. His father, Rudolf II (912-37) was responsible for the reunification of Burgundy. Conrad was succeeded by his son who ruled as Rudolf III.

From Cope, "..in 954 he gained a victory over the Saracens and the Magyars in a coup that might be unique in military history. When he learned that both the Magyars and Saracens were on the warpath, he sent envoys to tell the Magyars that the Saracens lay in wait for them and if they would join forces with the Burgundians they would together destroy the Saracens." He told the Saracens about a Magyar ambush and offered an alliance with the Saracens against the Magyars. When both met in battle, Conrad told both sides he would soon join them. "When he judged the that the two hostile forces had sufficiently weakened each other, the Burgundians were launched against them and both were brilliantly destroyed." (67) Abd al-Rahman was the (a?) Islamic ruler in Spain at this time and his general (?) was on the wrong side of this agreement.

The South: Aquitaine and Provence
Pippin I (814-838) or Pippin II (840-52)

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 21mm, 1.61gr. Obv: +PIPINVS REX EQ, central cross in solid circle. Rev: +METVLLO, central Pipin monogram P-IN-S-R. Mint is Melle. R1872, MG 606 as Pipin I or II; Dep 9F1, 615 (33 examples), "les tres grande majorite des monnaies de Pipin II fut frappe entre 845-848 ... Melle fut un atelier tres important." This coin is conservative in design, following Charlemagne's lead with the ruler's name on the obverse and a personal monogram on the reverse. MEC 814. Not in Bel. Seller (Claude Silberstein) id Prou 689.
The king and times: "Pépin II d'Aquitaine (823-865) est le fils aîné de Pépin Ier (797-838) et le petit-fils de Louis le Pieux. Il succède à son père Pépin Ier, mort le 13 décembre 838, en s'emparant illégalement du trône et en prenant Toulouse en 843. Charles II le Chauve essaye de l'en déloger mais est obligé de reconnaître sa souveraineté sur l'Aquitaine en échange du serment de vassalité. En revanche, Pépin perd le comté de Poitiers. Les années suivantes ne sont qu'une suite ininterrompue de guerres et de trahisons. Toulouse et Poitiers sont pillées par les Normands. En 852, Pépin est livré à Charles le Chauve qui le fait enfermer à Saint-Médard de Soissons. Il s'en échappe et se révolte à nouveau contre son oncle. Les dix dernières années de sa vie, Pépin essaye vainement de reprendre possession de son royaume et meurt captif à Senlis en 865." Source: CGB Monnaies VIII 2000.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

Coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.41gr. Obv: +PIPPINVS REX F,  central cross. Rev: +TOLOSA CI-VI, central Pippin monogram. Mint is Toulouse. R1876; MG 618; Dep9-9F1, 999 (as Pippin Rex E), 174 examples.This one is clearly Rex F. Prou 809 (as REX F); not in Bel, Nouchy.

AR denier, 21 mm, 1.30gr. Obv: +IVDOVVICVS, central cross. Rev: central VI, obscured but evident legend. Mint is Vienne. R1886; MG 1575 (which lists 8 catalogued coins); Dep 16-B1, 1145v (16 examples) which actually matches to LVDVVICVS with a monogram. Not in Bel, Nouchy. This is a rare coin.

Louis of Provence was son of Boso of Provence and Ermengard. He was able to trace his Carolingian lineage through his grandfather, Louis II, who in turn was son of Lothar, in turn son of Louis the Pious.

After the death of Charles the Bald (877) the empire fragmented, beset by internal struggles among Charles' heirs, rebellious nobles and invasions on several fronts. Separate kingdoms emerged in Burgundy and Provence. Louis' father forged a Provencial kingdom after 879 and while he died an unsuccessful ruler, his son Louis was elected king in 890. Louis had political ambitions in northern Italy and succeeded in being crowned emperor in 901. However, subsequent fighting in Italy led to his capture by Berengar, a local king, who gouged out his eyes, hence the title 'Louis the Blind.' He ruled Provence for another 20 years. Source: Riche' 221-25.

(for a larger version, click here)

AR denier, 21mm, 1.44g. Obv: +LVDOVVICVS, central cross. Rev: +ARELA CIVIS, central KRLS monogram. Mint is Arles. R1884 as Louis the Blind; MG 1653 as Louis IV or V; Dep 16C-1, 72 (137 examples) as Louis the Blind; PdA 4790 as Louis le Begue, but with a note that others attribute it to Louis the Blind; Prou 882 as Louis the Blind. Many of these coins are apparently in a museum in Montpelier (about 125) so those in other places are scarce.

AR denier, 21mm, 1.42gr. Obv: +LVDVVICVS IMPR, central monogram. Rev: +VIENNA CIVIS, central cross. Mint is Vienne. R-;  Dep 1144 (13 examples), MG 1573; Prou 848. The reverse matches R 1881, which is Boso. Since this is a similar die type, it might argue for an earlier coin of Louis.

AR obole, 17mm, .79gr. Obv: monogram with K - S left to right, R - L top to bottom. Rev: METVLLO, central cross. Mint is Melle. R1344 (later similar coins are C Bald or C III but this is just C Bald); MG 1060; Dep 9 H2, 622 (61 examples); Bel 97. Slight crack on 'S' of monogram.

 "Charles le Chauve est devenu roi à la mort de son père, Louis le Pieux, le 20 juin 840. Au traité de Verdun en 843, l'empire carolingien est partagé entre les trois fils de Louis. Lothaire reçoit la Lotharingie, Louis le Germanique, la Francia Orientalis et Charles la Francia Occidentalis."  Source: CGB Monnaies VIII, 2000.  Charles was the son of Judith of Bavaria (second wife of) and Louis the Pius. He married Ermentrude, daughter of Count Odo of Orleans, in an effort to secure his position in contention with his half brothers Lothaire and Louis. A formal division of the lands of Louis was recognized by the Treaty of Verdun in 843.

During this period his territory was invaded by Norsemen, Huns and Saracens. He also had to deal with an Islamic invasion which penetrated as far as Narbonne. For coins of these invaders, see Carolingian era Islamic coins. France was wracked by civil war and Charles was unable to exert strong control over the French imperium. He died in 877 and is buried at St. Denis. He is described by Pierre Riche' as the last of the great Carolingian rulers. The division of the kingdom at this time, some have argued, lays the foundation for the Germanic national state, as well as the French state. The division of the empire has the further impact of complicating the ability of the papacy to maintain some type of ecclesiastical hegemony over western Europe.

AR Obole, 16mm, .71gr. Obv: +CARLVS REXR, central cross. Rev: AQVI/TANIA in two lines. Mint is Bourges. R1253v ob, 1254 rev; Dep 196v (13 examples); MG 1049v - 1052v; MEC 834, which links to MG 1053; Prou 672v. The basis of the 'variation' is the legend ends in REXR, not cited in these sources.

AR denier, 20mm, 1.5gr. Obv: +CAR.LVSR.EX, central cross. Rev: PARI/./SII. R1261; MG 825v (which is PARIS/./II). Mint is Paris. Dep 9-E1, 761v (20 examples); Bel 79.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

AR denier, 22mm, 1.77gr. Obv: +CARLVS REX FR, central small cross. Rev: META . LLVM in two lines. Mint is Melle. R1257; MG 1056; Dep 9-E1, 621 (124 examples); Prou 726; not in Bel.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 21mm, 1.73gr. Obv: +CARLVS REX FR, central cross. Rev:+PARISII CIVITAS, central temple. Mint is Paris. R1313; MG 827 (thin lettering matched photo in MG); Dep 9,B-1, 762 (24 examples).

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier 21mm, 1.45gr, temple type. Obv: +CARLVS REX FR, central cross with four besants. Rev: +XPISTIANA RELGIO, central temple. Dates between 840 -864 before the Edit of Pitres. R 1323; MG 1159; Dep 9 B1, 1189v (138 examples); MEC 846; not in Bel; Nouchy CB3. MEC (1:232) notes only 11 mints making the temple type identified themselves. .

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier 19mm, 1.69gr., class 1, 840-65. Obv: +CARLVS REX FR, central cross in a circle, besants in each quadrant. Rev: +AVRELIANIS, central gate. Orleans mint. The gate motif is one that goes back to Roman times (see the campgate page, picked up by early Carolingians. It also occurs in the coinage of Charlemagne and Louis the Pious. The alignment of the gate places the + at the bottom of the coin and starts the legend in the lower left, as per later coins. R1267; MGv 944 (they identify a variation with only a + beneath the gate rather than .+. This weight is heavy compared to their citations.) Dep 9D1, 725 (71 examples); MEC 835; Bel 77; Prou 511.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.67g. Obv: +CAROLVS REX FRAN, central cross. Rev: +BELGEVACVS CIVI, central KRLS monogram, with 'S' and 'L' transposed This coin is additionally unusual in that the obverse legend ends in 'FRAN.' Mint is Beauvais. R1293 (solely as CB); MG 1375 (solely as CS); Dep 9-F1, 136 (26 examples as CB linked to both MG 784 (CB) and 1375-6 (CS)). MEC 909 as an anomylous CB coin, noting 'these are the earliest Carolingian coins from Beauvais' which hoard evidence places with contemporary CB class 2 coins. Prou 256, Bel 85, 86.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.77gr. Obv: +CARLVS REX, central cross. Rev: +CLAROMII(IT? N?), central KRLS monogram. Clermont Ferrand mint. R1276; MG 1078,1083?; Dep 331 matches to MG (46 examples); not in Bel; Nouchy CB27. MEC (1:232) notes the CARLVS REX type was never surplanted by the GDR type at this mint.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 21 mm, 1.43gr. Obv: +CAROLVS REX, central cross with four besants. Rev: PALATINA MONET, central monogram. Palace mint. R1283v; MG 625; Dep 9 F1, 746 (60 examples); MEC 840; Bel 82.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 22mm, 1.55g. Obv: +CARLVS REX F, central +. Rev: TOLVSA CIVI, horizontal S, central monogram. Toulouse Mint. Most probably Charles the Bald. Id'd by seller (Singer) as such. MG close to 1103 (image rather than text) although this coin has space on both sides of the obverse F. The R/MG concordance matches MG1103 (CARLVS EXF, TOLVSA CIVI as CB) to R994, which is Charlemagne, 3rd series, + monogram. R994 ends 'REX FR' whereas coin is 'REX F.' Roberts id's similar coins 994v. MEC (209) notes ".. hoard evidence shows that coins from Aquitanian mints, where Charlemagne's type was revived in or soon after 840, can belong to either sovereign. Sometimes, as apparently at Toulouse, a different form of mint signature, in this case the presence or absence of CIVI, allows us to distinguish between the coins of the two rulers (Pierfitte 1933)." MEC 841 notes the retrograde L in the monogram as CB. Dep 1003 (410 examples); Bel 99.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier. CARLVS REX FR, central cross. Rev: +TOLVSA CIVI, central KRLS monogram. Toulouse mint. This coin varies from the previous one since the obverse image ends in FR rather than just F. It catalogues as MG 1095 and Prou 814. This image is presented here courtesy of Bryan Buthiaux.

The coin: AR denier, 20mm., 1.75gr. Obv: +CIIAIOIVS IIIPEP (where the C is retrograde), central monogram. Rev: +CAVNONIS CIVS (where the S is retrograde), central cross. Mint is Chalon sur Saone. R1565v; MG 1477 (cites 2 examples); Dep type ? - 262v (9 examples) matches not closely to MG 1472-74; Prou 621; not in Bel. The legend is clearly bungled, perhaps trying for CARLVS IMP on the obverse. This is a relatively rare coin.

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.49g. Obv: CRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: + AMBIANIS CIVIT (Amiens mint), central cross. R1381; MG 757v; Dep 11 A-1, 30 (156 examples); MEC 850 which matches to MG 751; Bel 100v.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.37gr. Obv: +CRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: IBAIOCASM CIVITAS, central cross. Mint is Bayeaux. R1392; Dep 11-A1, 127 (92 examples); MG 890; MEC 854.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.51gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: +CARNOT'IS CIVITAS, ('O' is diamond shaped), central cross. Mint is Chartres. R 1405; MG 933 or 937; Dep 11 A1, 278 (147 examples); Bel 115.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.58gr. Obv: GRATIA D-I REX, central monogram. Rev: CVRTISASONIEN, short cross. Courcessin mint. Roberts 1355; MG 902; Dep 11 A1, 375, (1377 examples); Bel 123.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.71gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: +LVGAVNI CLAVATI, central cross. Laon mint. R 1364; MG 794; Dep 11 A1, 482 (143 examples); not in Bel; Nouchy CB139.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.79gr. Obv: GRA.TI.A.D-I RE, central KRLS. Rev: MELDIS.CI.VI.TAS, central cross. Mint is Meaux. R1415; MG 853/4; Dep 11 A1, 596 (25 examples); Prou 362-64.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.56gr. Obv: +CRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: +ROTVMACVS CIVII, central cross. Rouen mint. R1431; MG 880; Dep 11 A1, 878 (155 examples); MEC 894 which matches to MG 878. Bel 155; Nouchy CB194.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.60gr. Obv: +CRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: +SCI DIONVSII M, central cross. St. Denis mint. R1483; MG 843; Dep 11 A1, 896 (165 examples); MEC 897; Bel 156/7v; Nouchy CB199; Pr 344.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.69gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: +SC-I qVINTINI MO, central cross. Mint is St. Quentin. E1495v; Dep 11-A1, 906v (120 examples). 906 ends in MONET. MG 772; Prou 249; MEC 899.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.63gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: +SENONES CIVITAS, central cross. Mint is Sens. R 1434; MG 984, Dep 11 type 964-875 A1, 929 (28 examples of the GDR type); MEC 900; Bel 161.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.61gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram, Rev: HTVRONES CIVITAS, central cross. Mint is Tours. R1443; MG 915; Dep 11 A-1, 1040v (104 examples); Bel 164; Prou 449 (weight 1.76); Nouchy CB 221A.

The coin: AR denier, 21mm, 1.4 gr. Obv: +MISERICORDIA DI REX, central Lvdovicvs monogram. Rev: +TVRONES CIVITAS, central cross. Mint is Tours. R1608 as Louis II or III; MG 1255 as Louis II or III; Dep 13 F1, 1041v (cites DEI, 121 examples) as Louis III; Prou 453-58 as Louis II or III; MEC 967 as L III; Nouchy Louis III #4.

The coin: AR denier, 22mm, 1.72gr. Obv: +CARLEIIAIIVSPE RE, central cross. Rev: +AR_LA CIVIS+, central KRLS monogram. Mint is Arles. R1621v; MG 1208 (cites 8 examples); Dep 13-01, 64v (24 examples); Prou 866; not in Bel.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.55gr. Obv: +KARL CT IO, central Rx. Rev: MONT S NAZ, central cross. Mint is the church of St. Nazaire in Autun. R-; Dep 94 (9 examples). He cites the legend as +KARL CT D and MON +S NAZ. MG 1419 as Charles III; Prou 603 as Charles III; PdA 5638 (which matches this legend but is without attribution); MEC as Charles the Bald. They cite this as a unique style of CB and date it from a hoard. There is no other CB coin with the Rx. I'm skeptical.

The coin: AR denier, 21mm, 1.50gr. Obv: +CARLVS IMP AVG, central cross. Rev: +BITVRICESCIVI, central monogram. Mint is Bourges. R 1564. Roberts says "coins inscribed CARLVS IMP Rex can be attributed" to either. He notes Grierson assigns most to Charles the Bald, Crinon gives the southern mints to Charles the Fat. MG 1485 classifies this as a 'late 9th coin of an emperor Charles," arguing for indeterminancy. Dep 198 (801 examples) and notes "Les monnaies de Charles le Chauve de tresor de Rennes ont ete attribuees a Charles le Gros par J. Lafaurie, en raison de leur faible poids. Grierson (MEC p.235) refuse cette hypothese, attribuant ces monnaies a un imitatuer local. (p.120)" MEC 917; Belaubre 176 attributes this to Charles le Gros.
    CGB Monnaies VIII #1065  (June 2000) says of a similar coin "Ce type de denier a souvent été donné à Charles III dit 'le Gros' (883-888) mais celui-ci n'a jamais possédé Bourges. Ces deniers ont été frappés par Charles II le Chauve qui fut empereur en 876 et 877. Ce monnayage a pu se prolonger après sa mort car il est trop fréquemment attesté pour avoir été fabriqué sur une durée aussi courte."
    "Les premières monnaies carolingiennes de Bourges ont été frappées au nom de Charlemagne. L'atelier fut actif sous Louis le Pieux, Pépin Ier, roi d'Aquitaine, Charles le Chauve, Eudes, Louis IV et enfin Lothaire qui laissèrent tous leur nom sur les monnaies de Bourges. Les monnaies de cet atelier et au nom de Charles le Chauve portant le titre d'empereur (876-877) semblent avoir été frappées au moins dix ans après sa mort. Nous connaissons en effet des monnaies de Bourges au nom d'Eudes qui commença à régner en 888."
The king: Charles the Fat was son of Louis the German and grandson of Louis the Pious. Louis the German was a brother of Charles the Bald, so Charles le Chauve was his uncle. When Louis the Pius divided his kingdom, Charles' father got Germany. Before he became emperor he ruled as king of Alemannia.
The times: After the death of Charles the Bald (and subsequently of his son Louis II - the Stammerer and grandson Carloman), Charles the Fat came to rule as king of Italy and Germany, as well as of France. He was crowned emperor in 881, but did not give the pope the satisfaction (protection of the papal territories) the pope wanted. He accepted fealty of the French lords in 884 and ruled there until 887. Charles was confronted with invasions of the Northmen and first sought to confront and finally to withdraw from confrontation. He was deposed in favor of Arnulf, descendent from Carloman of Bavaria. This opened the way for a series of regional kings throughout the (defunct) empire.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.63gr. Obv: +CARLVS IMP AVG, central cross. Rev: +NEVERNIS CIVIT, central KRLS monogram. Nevers mint (875-7 or 884-7). R1572 (image, not text); MG 1464 (late 9th C of an emperor Charles); Dep 12 D1, 701 (84 examples); MEC 919; Bel 179-80 as Charles le Gros; Nouchy CB245.

The coin: AR denier, 22mm., 1.38gr. Obv: +CARLVS INPERA, central cross. Rev: +ARELVCIAI..., central monogram. Mint in Arles. R1561v; MG 1500; Dep 12-D1, 65 (106 examples); Prou 872 (which cites a retrograde monogram); not in Bel.

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.53 gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX, central monogram. Rev: +ANDEGVIS CIVITAS, central cross. Mint is Angers. R1382; MG 912 (MG gives this to CB. A version CRATIA is attributed to Charles III.) Dep 11-A1, 43 (73 examples); Prou 429 (as CB); Bel 101.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier 20mm, 1.63 gr. Obv: +CRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: +ATREBATS CIVITAS, central cross. Arras mint. The Charles' of this age tended to reissue coins in the style of their predecessors. Charles the Bald reissued coins that are confued with those of Charlemagne, Charles the III reissued coins in the style of Charles the Bald.  R1384 (as CB/CS); MG 742v (reverse match, 1.53 gr, 1.62gr), 749v (obverse match 1.57gr); Dep 11A1, 79 (232 examples).

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.54gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: +BIESIANIS CASTRO, central cross. Blois mint. Coin is slightly oval - this image is not distorted. R1507; MG 928 (as CB and CS); Dep 11 A1, 160 (205 examples); MEC 857; Bel 108; Nouchy CB98.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 22mm, 1.75gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: +CINOMANIS CIVITAS, central cross. Le Mans mint. R1414; MG 905; Dep 11 A1, 559 (2173 examples); MEC 872; Bel 131-133; Nouchy CB146, Pr 422. Based on weight, this is most likely a coin of CB. See the coin weights page for discussion.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 22mm, 1.62gr. Obv: +CARLVS REX FR, central cross. Rev: +MET+VLLO, central monorgram. Mint is Melle. R 982 (listed under Charlemagne, but immobilized by CB and CS); MG 1064 as CB; Dep 9F1, 627 (1001 examples as CB immobilized). MEC 935-38, 940-5.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 21mm, 1.7gr. Obv: GRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: + AVRELIANIS CIVITAS, central cross. Mint is Orleans. Given the weight, I believe this is clearly a coin of CB. R1421; MG 948 (which indicates this type is CB/CS); Dep 11A1, 727 (484 examples); Prou 516.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.58gr. Obv: +CRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: +AVRELIANIS CIVITAS, central KRLS monogram. Orleans mint. R1421; MG 947; Dep 11 A1, 727 (478 examples); Bel 142; Nouchy CB167. MEC 881/2 which matches to MG948. This was one of the ten mints named by the Edict of Pitres as being authorized to produce GDR coinage. Based on stylistic difference with the previous Orleans coin and weight difference I believe this is a coin of CS.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 21mm, 1.67gr. Obv: GRATIA D-I REX, central monogram. Rev: PARISII CIVITAS, central cross. R1422 indicates reissue by Charles III. Paris mint. MG 833 also indicated due to its presence in the EVREAUX find it might be C III. Dep 11 A1, 763 (123 examples). He spells it 'DEI' where the coin is D-I but also cites MG 832-38. Not in Bel. This was one of the ten mints named by the Edict of Pitres as being authorized to produce GDR coinage.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20 mm, 1.69gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX, central blurred KRLS monogram. Rev: +PARISII CIVITAS, central cross. Paris mint. R1422, MG 830; Dep 11 A1, 763 (123 examples); Bel 151; Nouchy CB172D; Pr 326v.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20 mm, 1.82gr. Obv: GRATIA D-I REX, central monogram. Rev: QVVENTOVVICI, with central cross and two besants. Mint is Quentovic in NW France). This coin follows the Edict of Pitres (864) which authorized a new style of coinage. R1368 (also reissued by Charles III); MG 716 as C Bald only;  Dep 11 A1, 811 (61 examples); MEC 866; Bel 152. This was one of the ten mints named by the Edict of Pitres as being authorized to produce GDR coinage. Based on weight, this is most likely a coin of CB. See the coin weights page for discussion.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier 19mm, 1.40gr. Obv: +GRACIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: +REMIS CIVITAS, central cross in a solid circle. Mint is Reims. R1424; MG 814 (which notes only 13 specimens with CRACIA rather than CRATIA); Dep 11A1, 834 (176 examples for both CRAC and CRAT). This was one of the ten mints named by the Edict of Pitres as being authorized to produce GDR coinage.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.23gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX, central monogram. Rev: +HREDONIS CIVITAS, central cross. Mint is Rennes. R 1423 (who indicates a reissue by Charles III); MG 1045 as Charles the Bald; Dep 11, 856 (968 examples), not in Bel. MEC 889. Similar to CGB Monnaies IX #879 which says about this type: "Le trésor de Rennes publié par Jean Lafaurie (RN 1965, p. 262-305), et enfoui entre 915-923, contenait 23 deniers de Rennes au type de notre exemplaire. Son style est très proche du (MEC 889 or) n° 890 de la collection du Fitzwilliam Museum de Cambridge." Based on weight, this would most likely be a coin of CS. See the coin weights page for discussion. However, MEC 889 notes "This coin, despite (the) low weight, probably belongs to CB rather than CS, since coins of the latter have the mint name REDONIS."

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.63gr. Obv: +CRATIA DI REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: SVESSIO CIVITAS, central cross. Soissons mint. R1435; MG 808; Dep 11 - A1, 937 (107 examples); Bel 162; Nouchy CB210; Pr 278. In 841 Charles the Bald attended the dedication of the crypt of St. Medard in Soissons. This coin was in my pocket when I visited the crypt in 2001, becoming a nice example of physio-temporal asynchroneity.

(for a larger version of this coin,click here)

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.59gr. Obv: +CRATIA D-REX, central monogram. Rev: +TRECAS CIVITAS, central cross. Mint is Troyes. R 1444; MG954 as CB; Dep 11:A1, 1084 (21 examples).

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.21gr. Obv: +CRATIA D-REX, central monogram. Rev: +TRECAS CIVITAS, central cross. Mint is Troyes. R 1444; MG954 as CB; Dep 11:A1, 1084 (21 examples). Based on weight, this is most likely a coin of CS. See the coin weights page for discussion.

Coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.65gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX, central small +ODO. Rev: +ANDECAVIS CIVITAS. central cross. Mint is Angers. R1685; MG 1291; Dep 14-B1, 44 (188 examples); Prou 432; Bel 1823; MEC 970; Nouchy Eudes-3.

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.56gr. Obv: +MISERICORDIA D-I, central interesting monogram. Rev: +BIESIANIS CASTRO, central cross. Blois mint. R1652; MG 1311; Dep 14E1v, 163v (91 examples). This coin is not clearly in Depreyot but this is the closest. MEC 980. Bel 186v. Pr 482.
The king: This period was known as the decadent age of the Carolingians. The kingdom fragmented after the death of Charles the Bald and a number of regional kings emerged. Odo was one of these. He was the son of Robert the Strong, count of Angers and Adelaide. Odo left no heirs and apparently did not marry. He reigned 10 years and died in 898. Several generations later Hugh Capet emerged as king of France, being descended from Odo's brother Robert I. For a fuller background on Eudes, see the Eudes Home Page.
The times: Odo was elected by his peers as king of west Francia, over a direct Carolingian descendant, Charles the Simple, who was a child. Odo successfully defended Paris from the Vikings and held sway over territory that is similar to the Ile de France. His lands were much smaller than those of Charles the Bald. It was a difficult reign, with threats coming from several quarters, domestic and foreign. When Charles the Simple was 14, there was a revolt against Odo, which he crushed. Given the lack of his own heir, Odo passed the kingdom on to Charles the Simple on his death, restoring direct Carolingian control in west Francia.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 22mm, 1.72gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX, central monogram. Rev: +LIMOVICAS CIVIS, central cross, reversed 'S' in CIVIS. Limoges mint in Aquitaine. R1697; MG 1332; Dep 14 B1, 511 (1122 examples); MEC 974; not in Bel; Nouchy E24.

(for a larger image of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.63gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX ODO, central KRLS monogram. Rev: +AVREL’ANIS CIVITAS central cross. Mint is Orleans. R1648; MG 1321 (cites 2 with the KRLS monogram); Dep 14B1, 730 (94 examples but monogram type unclear); Prou 522.

(for a larger image of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.32gr. Obv: CRATIA D-I REX, central Eudes monogram. Rev: AVREL'ANIS CIVITA, central cross. Mint is Orleans. R1658; MG 1323v (which has CIVITAS); Dep 14B1, 730 (90 examples but he does not differentiate between KRLS and Eudes monograms); Prou 523; not in Bel. This is a less common version of the coin, with CIVITA.

(for a larger version of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.68gr. Obv: +MISERICORDIA D'I, central Eudes monogram. Rev: +HTVRONES CIVITAS, central cross. Mint is Tours. R1654; MG 1295; Dep 14-F2, 1043 (165 examples). Dep matches to PdA XXX 21. Nouchy E 50, not in Bel.

(for a larger image of this coin, click here)

The coin: Denier of Toulouse, 20 mm, 1.61gr. Obv: +ODDO REX FR-C,  central cross. Rev: TOLOSA CIVI, center deisgn with two 'O' and two 'D.' Toulouse mint. Roberts 1641 Toulouse, MG 1341 (with a - between R-C). Dep 1012 (326 examples); not in Belaubre.

(for a larger image of this coin, click here)

Coin: AR obol, 15mm, .79gr. Obv: +ODDO REX FR, central cross. Rev: +TOLOSA CIVI, central ODDO. Mint is Toulouse. R1641; MG 1339v (no retrograde 'S'); Dep 14-C2, 1014 (12 examples); Prou 825 with retrograde 'S;' MEC989; Nouchy Eudes-47.

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, 1.12gr. Obv: + CRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: +/PARISI/.../CIVITA/+. Mint is Paris. R1706; Dep 772 (45 examples); MG 1393; Prou 335.
The king: Charles the Simple, i.e. without guile, was the son of Louis II and grandson of Charles the Bald. He married first Frederuna, who died in 917 and then Eadgifu, daughter of King Edward of Wessex. Their son, Louis, becomes king and is known as d'Outremer. Charles died a prisoner of Herbert of Vermandois in 929.
The times: Charles was named by Odo of Paris as his successor, in recognition of the continuing regard the Carolingians still held. Charles was faced with continued Norseman invasions, and Charles granted land, in return for fealty, to Rollo who settled in what became Normandy. Charles intervened in Lotharingia and triggered a revolt of the nobility against himself. On the bright side (from his point of view) Robert, father of Hugh the Great, was killed in battle against Charles. On the downside, Charles was captured by Herbert II of Vermandois and died in captivity. His wife and young son fled to England. Raoul (Ralph) of Burgundy ruled after Charles' imprisonment. (Source: Riche'246-54)

The coin: AR denier, 22mm, 1.34gr. Obv: +l'lROLVS PIVS REX, central cross. Rev: ARGENTI/./NACIVITS in two lines where the N in the second line is reversed. Mint is Strasbourg. R1716; MG 1348; Dep closest match is 959 (18 examples) +KARLOVS etc, Nouchy CIII 46Dv, not in MEC (which identifies a similar German type after 911) or in Bel.

The coin: AR denier, 21 mm, 1.55gr. Obv: +CARLVS REX, central cross. Rev: RlAllARlllClOX, where A is an inverted V. Central KRLS monogram. Mint is indeterminant. R1734v; MG 1437v as +RlAllAllCOX, absent the 'R' in the coin. Dep 18-E1, 862 as RlAN (three examples); Bel 193 under Paris as RlANAllGlOX; not in MEC, Nouchy. This is one of the rarer coins represented on the site.

The coin: AR denier, 17mm., .97gr. Obv: +CARLVS REX, central cross. Rev: +BLE|ONIS (where | is an arrow pointing up), temple surmounted by cross, under temple H H/horizontal C. Mint is Lons-le-Saulnier.  R1726v cites as immobilized til 1100. MG 1425 as an indeterminant mint; Dep 18-E1, 514B (numbering from the second edition -14 examples); not in Bel. It is most likely a more common immobilized one. The coin image to the right is courtesy of Sue Hagadorn. There are several distinct differences between the two coins, on both sides, but our discussion and comparison didn't shed light on whether either was contemporary with Charles III. The one on the right is more complex in design - notice the tips of the cross and structure of the inner circle. On the reverse the temple is more fully developed and the letter structure more sophisticated. This is probably the older of the two coins, but how much older is unclear. This coin weighs between .95 and 1.05 grams, typical of mid to late 10th century coins. Morrison (in MG) reports that 10 of 49 (20%) of CS's coins he surveyed weigh 1.26 grams or less. Hence, if this is Charles III, it is on the light end of his production. For a look at several of these coins, see the Lons page. These coins are also presented on the Burgundy Ecclesiastical page (left here due to linkages on the site).

The coin: AR denier, 21mm, 1.3 gr. Obv: CARLVS REX (with the ‘S' reversed), central cross with two, possibly four, pellets. Rew: MET/ALO on two lines. Identification of this coin is difficult. The seller (French dealer from a 1999 Cumberland Hotel fair) identifies it as Charles III and cites Patrick Nouchy #33var. as his source. Nouchy (p121) notes there are "immobilisations dans les atelier de Melle avec the legende CARLVS REX" as distinct from #33 which are all "REX F" or "REX R." In other words, the seller's representation does not match his source. This coin is also lighter (1.3 gr) than those of Charles III (1.45 - 1.48gr). Roberts identifies a CARLVS REX type from Melle (#1700 series) and says "a common type from Melle is listed in the feudal section due to its extensive posthumous strikings which extend into the 13th century." Several of these immobilized coins have reverses similar to this coin (R3862) but the obverse lettering does not match, having an extra letter after ‘REX.' Bleaubre (787-8) has similar obverse text, but a cross under the MET/ALO on the reverse, for a number of coins identified as Charles the Bald immobilized. Not in MG, Dep 18 G1, 630 as Charles III, but no image (1 current example, 1749 immobilized). This is in all likelihood an immobilized coin of either Charles III or Charles the Bald, produced by the comtes de Poitou. Melle is in Aquitaine.

AR denier, 21mm, 1.29gr. Obv: +MISERICORDIA D, central monogram. Rev: +TVRONES CIVITAS, central cross. Mint is Tours. Dep 1045 (DEI) as Robert (no examples studied). PdA 1616 as Robert or Eudes. Not in R. MEC says Robert did not have coinage, as does Prou (XXIII “n’a pas laisse de monnaies.”) Unfortunately, attribution is not clear and I will go with Depeyrot. Seller Vinchon id’d as Robert.

AR denier, 20mm, 1.22gr. Obv: +CRATIA D-I IEX, central KRLS tpye monogram with an inverted F for L. Rev: +CARTIS CIVITAS, central cross. Mint is Chartres. R1792; Dep 284 (5 examples); MG 1592v; Prou 500v; Gariel LIII 10; MEC 1001v; Bel -; Nouchy Raoul 11.

AR denier of Chateau Landon, 20mm, 1.30gr. Obv: GRATIA D-I, central monogram. Rev: CAST_SI___NI, central cross.  Seller M. Garnier in Paris id'd as Raoul, and Chateau Landon. Not clearly in Roberts, but monogram same as R1798. Dep 308B (2 examples); Not in MG or Belaubre. The difficulty is the obverse as Odo had several coins very similar (R1656 of Odo identical). Roberts says "Odo's nephew Raoul imitated these monograms very closely." CGB Monnaies IX #881 has a similar coin for sale December 2000 and describes it "Le monogramme particulier du droit est inspiré de celui d'Eudes. Pierre Crinon a montré que ce type de monogramme fut employé par Raoul et qu'il fut même immobilisé dans certains ateliers tels que Château-Landon, Étampes ou Orléans (P. Crinon, BSFN, avril 1993 p. 539-543 et F. Dumas, Le trésor de Fécamp, p. 188-189). Ces pièces, pour la plupart inédites avant la découverte du trésor dit "du Loiret", sont réputées en provenir."
The king: "Raoul est le fils de Richard le Justicier, duc de Bourgogne." He did not become duc of Burgundy, his brother Hugh the Black did. Raoul became king of the west Franks. "Il a épousé Emma, la sœur d'Hugues le Grand, la fille de Robert de France." Raoul had an indirect connection with the Caroligians through an uncle, Boso of Provence. He used this to justify interference in Carolingian controlled lands in the south. (He is a different person from his contemporary Rudolf II who reunited Burgundy.)
The times: "À la mort de Robert Ier de France (brother of Eudes) à la bataille de Soissons, en 923, son gendre (son in law) Raoul est élu (elected) roi tandis que (whereas) Charles III le Simple est arrêté et destitué. Il doit faire face à la montée des Normands dont le roi, Rollon, a reçu la Normandie au traité de Saint-Clair-sur-Epte en 911. Raoul doit faire face à la montée en puissance de Guillaume Longue Epée, duc de Normandie, et de Hugues, comte de Vermandois. Il meurt en 936, sans postérité." Source: CGB Monnaies VIII 2000. In addition to the Normans, and conflict with Hertbert II, he faced threats from the Magyars.

Coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.4gr. Obv: +GRATIA D-I REX, central Rodolfus monogram. Rev: +AVREL'ANIS CIVITA, central cross. Mint is Orleans. R1798; MG 1598; Dep 21-B1, 733 (62 examples); Prou 525; MEC 1003 which says these are probably immobilized after Raoul's death in an area where Hugh the Great exercised control; Nouchy Raoul-32.

Louis IV 936-954

(for a larger version, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 19mm, .93gr. Obv: HLVDOVICVS, central Rx, Rev: LINGONIS CVTS, central cross. Mint is Langres. R1808; Dep 474 (25 examples); MG 1636v as L IV or V.
The king: Louis was son of Charles III by his second wife. He fled to England with his mother after his father was imprisoned by Herbert II of Vermandois. He married Gerberga of Saxony and they had two sons. He was succeeded by Lothar IV and his grandson Louis V was the last Carolingian.
The times: When Raoul died without an heir, Hugh the Great, father of Hugh Capet, was instrumental is the restoration of the Carolingians, in the person of Louis d'Outremer (from across the sea). The territory over which Louis had direct rule was limited but the nobility initially pledged fealty to him. He subsequently fell out with his advocate Hugh the Great and they engaged in civil war. He was captured by Hugh and subsequently released, under papal pressure. He succeeded in reasserting control in Normandy. He died from injuries sustained in a hunting accident, at age 34. He was succeeded by his son Lothar IV, who ruled under the protection of Hugh the Great. (Source: Riche' 255-64.)

Louis IV 936-954 or Louis V

(for a larger version, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 21 mm, 1.27gr. Obv: +LVDOVICVSRE, central (rex?) monogram. Rev: +NEVERNIS CVT, central cross. Nevers mint. R1814 (which says 'CIVIT' as IV whereas this is 'CVT'); MG 1633/4v  as IV/V (CVT); Dep 22 B1, 705 (26 examples); not in Bel; Nouchy L415.

The coin: AR denier, c. 960-980,  19mm, 1.16gr. Obv: + LOTERIVS REX. (Lothaire, roi). Croix. Rev: BITVRICES CIVITAS. Mint is Cité de Bourges in Aquitaine. "Temple tétrastyle avec un fronton triangulaire sommé d'une croisette coupant la légende en haut, portant en cœur une croisette posée sur deux degrés. Frappe bien venue au droit. Tréflage au revers avec une petite tache à 5 heures." Description from CGB Monnaies VIII 1071. Roberts 1823; MG 1672; Dep 24 I1, #206, (310 examples); Prou 755; Bel 198. Ce type reprend celui à la légende XPISTIANA RELIGIO introduit dans le monnayage Carolingien par Charlemagne et largement diffusé sous Louis le Pieux. Contemporary English coin: Ethelred.
The king: "Dès 954, Lothaire cède l'Aquitaine à Hugues le Grand et essaie de lutter contre la montée (sought to fight against the rise) du féodalisme. Il finit par se brouiller avec Hugues Capet (duc 956-987, roi 987-996), fils de Hugues le Grand, car il est plus puissant que son suzerain. Au début du règne de Louis IV (936-954), une nouvelle réforme monétaire aurait modifié la taille des deniers, passant à 360 pièces par livre de 18 onces." Source: CBB Monnaies VIII 2000.
The times: Lothaire inherited from his father, Louis IV, when he was only thirteen. By good fortune he was not pressured from the throne by powerful nobles, although he did cede some lands. His reign was spent seeking to establish control over lands previously controlled by his line, with mixed success. During his reign, coinage in his name was minted in areas over which he did not have direct control, indicating a residual respect for the direct Carolingian lineage.

(for a larger image of this coin,click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm., 1.25gr. Description as above.

(for a larger image of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.25gr. Obv: +LOTARVS.REX, central B. Rev: CAVILON’CIVT, central cross. Mint is Chalon sur Soane. R1826 (with note B is for Burgundia); MG 1663 (as IVS); Dep 268 (15 examples); Prou 622 (as IVS); MEC 1005 (as IVS); PdA 5620v (as IVS). All these citations cite LOTARIVS whereas as this an unusual variety with just VS.

The coin: AR denier, 22mm, 1.57gr. Obv: +SENONES SCV, central cross. Rev: central +, with smaller + above and below, no legend. Mint is Sens. R4456; Dep 934v (1 example); PdA CXXXVII#10 which is linked to 5907 but is closer to 5912-15; MG-; Prou-: MEC-. End of the 10th century.

(for a larger image of this coin, click here)

The coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.13gr. Obv: +LVOOVICVS, central cross, bezant in the 1st and 4th quadrants. Rev: legend unclear, central temple over ‘.X.’ Mint unknown. R4889 matches obverse as Louis I of Savoy (1285-1302) but rev. does not match. Does not match R1221-389, blundered and later inscriptions. MG-; Dep-; Prou-; Dumas-; PdA-. Seller references Bulletin de la Societe Francaise de Numismatique 55 (2000) p.13 as late 10th C. This note by Klaus Petry recounts his experience at a numismatic seminar  at the University of Saarbruck and the discussion of two enigmatic deniers found near Saarbruck, but in French territory. These were 19mm, 1.32 gr and 20mm 1.15 grs respectively. He was unable to identify these in the literature and asked for help from anyone who might be familiar with the coins. The obverse legend is given as LVDOVICVS without title, different from the LVOO ... without title legend here. The images of the coins are unclear on the copy of the note I've seen. By dimension and weight this is similar to the second of the coins he references, but whether or not these are the same is unclear. By weight, this coin is consistent with 10th C coinage. All of this makes this an interesting coin of indeterminate age and origin.

Coin: AR denier, 20mm, 1.05gr. Obv: CIATIA DI REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: CIIONANIS CIVTA, central cross. Mint is LeMans. This coin was identified as from Fecamp but does not match any of the LeMans references in Dumas (7045-8357). It varies in several ways. The closest ones are 8092 CIVITA and 8355 IITA. This coin starts with CIIO which is uncommon and not paired with either of the CIVITA coins. This is in all likelihood an unusual (in that it does not appear in Dumas)  immobilized 10th C coin. Weight suggests later rather than earlier. Not in Roberts, Boud or PdA. Hugues II was count of Maine (LeMans) at this time. By the 11th C, under Herbert I (1015-36) the legend from LeMans shifted to COMES CENOMANNIS, arguing that this is in fact 10th C. It appears to be an uncatalogued coin. :)

Coin: AR denier, 18 mm, .95gr. Obv: GRATIA D-I REX, central KRLS monogram. Rev: TVRONES CIVITAS (?), central cross. Mint is Tours. This is a 10th C immobilized coin that was part of the Fecamp hoard. Roberts does not associate it with Charles III. Coin appears clipped. Seller (Singer) id is Dumas 6935+. #6952-53 are listed as .96gr. This would make this coin among the lightest in this subset of coins. This is possibly one of these two coins. The hoard included 1407 immobilized coins from Charles the Bald, most commonly from Quentovic and Mans. There were 31 Charles the Bald Tours mint coins in the hoard. This is one of several Fecamp era coins on the site. Another is Bishop Hugues of Rouen in the name of Richard I of Normandy. For background on the hoard see Fecamp. Coin also appears on the Anjou page.