Carolingian. Louis the Pious (814-840) "Portrait" Denier ND (814-818) XF Details (Damage) PCGS, Melle mint, Class 1, Rob-1067, MEC I-758, MG-396, Dep-607, Coupland-Plate I, 3. 19mm. 1.56gm. HLVDOVVICVS IHP ΛVC, laureate, draped bust of Louis right / +METALLVM, pair of coin dies between two hammers. An extremely rare emission of Louis' first coinage as sole ruler over the Carolingian Empire, and a type which perfectly evokes the imperial asperations of the early Carolingian period. Carrying over the late portrait types from the final years of his father's reign, the portrait issues of Louis the Pious serve as a clear testament to the perceived effectiveness of this design type while simultaneously circulating much more widely than did Charlemagne's portrait coinage. Notably well-engraved and executed, some flaws in the planchet on the reverse surely as-made, the piece at hand displays a strikingly precise and more "humanistic" portrayal of the emperor, in stark contrast to the usual caricaturized style. Toned to a soft dove-gray with mild die polish lines still visible behind the bust. Ex. Morris Collection

HID09801242017

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