A remarkable discovery of around 1,600 silver bracteate coins was recently announced in Glottertal, a village nestled in Germany’s Black Forest region. Experts are optimistic that the find will shed new light on the area’s medieval history, including its role in silver mining and coin circulation.
A Glimpse into Glottertal’s Rich Past
Situated in the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district, Glottertal has a long history of mining activities. Archaeological evidence suggests that iron smelting occurred here as early as Roman times. By the 11th century, silver mining flourished in the region. Infrastructure to support mining, such as a 15-kilometer water channel completed in 1284, underscores its importance. However, mining operations ceased by the late 12th century following significant flooding.
Discovery of the Hoard
The hoard was unearthed in May during the installation of a water pipe near the village swimming pool. Claus Volker, working with the State Office for Monument Preservation (SOMP), accompanied the workers. Initially, Volker identified the coins as “small metal plates.” Upon closer inspection, he realized they were a substantial hoard of bracteate coins—thin, uniface coins with designs pressed through to the reverse side.
Volker reported his find to SOMP, and archaeologist Andreas Haasis-Berner joined the investigation. Haasis-Berner recounted, “The next morning, Volker revisited the site, and his wife discovered a significant additional cache. By the time I arrived, I recovered about 1,000 coins.” Using metal detectors, the team uncovered an additional 600 coins, even as heavy rain turned the ground into deep mud.
The Coins and Their Origins
Preliminary analysis suggests most of the coins were minted around 1320. The majority originated from Breisach, Freiburg, and Zofingen, while smaller numbers came from Basel, Colmar, Laufenburg, St. Gallen, and Zurich.
- Breisach Coins: These 19-millimeter, 0.39-gram coins often featured the city’s shield and date back as early as the reign of Heinrich I von Horburg (1180–1191).
- Freiburg Bracteates: Measuring 15 millimeters and weighing 0.24 grams, these coins were precursors to the Freiburger rappen, which played a significant role in the Rappenmünzbund currency system in the Upper Rhine region.
- Zofingen Coins: Minted under the authority granted by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in 1239, Zofingen’s coins often mimicked designs from other regions.
Haasis-Berner noted the diversity of coins highlights the interconnected trade networks and currency circulation in the early 14th century.
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Historical Significance
The hoard provides insights into medieval economic activity, including silver mining, minting practices, and trade in the Breisgau region. “Glottertal was one of the key mining areas for the dukes of Freiburg,” explained Haasis-Berner. He also pointed out that the find site was once a settlement for miners, adding context to the area’s mining heritage.
The hoard’s value is estimated at roughly 150 sheep, a significant sum at the time. Why the coins were buried remains a mystery, but they were likely hidden for safekeeping during local conflicts, to deter theft, or as an alternative to banking.
A Record-Breaking Find
This discovery is the largest in the region since 1949 when about 5,000 coins from the 1280s were unearthed in Freiburg. Four smaller hoards from the same period have also been found in the surrounding area.
“The evaluation of this hoard will allow us to better understand the circulation of coins, the role of local mints, and the silver trade,” Haasis-Berner said. The find offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the economic and social fabric of medieval Glottertal and its surroundings.