Reichsmunzwesen im spaten Mittelalter, Vol. 1: Das 14. Jahrhundert
Stephen Mossman
This is the first volume of a two-part study, originally author’s doctoral thesis, which aims to reassess history German imperial coinage in late middle ages. The explicit aim project bring numismatic evidence into contact with documentary record; ‘rescue’, sense, numismatics from antiquarian status, and illuminate so doing. product nothing if not thorough. reign emperor Ludwig (1314–47), Mäkeler’s study begins, witnessed remarkable development structure coinage. colossal subsidies remitted by Edward III his search for allies against French after 1337 enabled systematic introduction gold across Germany time since Carolingian era. combination data provided archaeological finds provides solid foundation on Mäkeler constructs detailed description its production circulation. transition Karl IV (1346–1378), fraught political terms, was front; minting this new coinage, chiefly Antwerp, carried forward using near-identical design intended stress continuity rule. firmly sensibly integrates Bohemia purview context handling reigns Wenzel (1376–1400). enables an assessment export Empire Bohemian silver coinage—and reaction towns influx debased silver, form regimes evaluation counter-stamping. Similarly, it becomes clear that failure implement relatively ambitious reform as part Golden Bull rested apparent treatment issue, coupling less contentious monetary much more issue extension crown territories. And concession King Johann (‘John Blind’, who died battle at Crécy 1346) right mint coins device archbishops Cologne Trier, order secure their support election son, future IV, established pattern became tool consolidate rule Luxemburg dynasty. It out concession, too, influential Rhine Currency Union (Rheinischer Münzverein) established, initially compact between Trier 1357. Subsequently forming town league constituted regulate money supply, served model creation several Münzvereine final decades fourteenth century, multilateral characters guaranteed success policies composition supply where attempts imposition such royal and/or authority had failed.
German History