★ Punning imagery ★

FRANCE, Champagne: Thibaut IV (1201-53), AR Denier. Provins mint, 1.00g, 19mm.
Obv: CASTRI PRVVINS; Comb, surmounted by a castle
Rev: +TEBAT COMES; Cross pattee, omega in the first quarter, crescents in the second and third quarters, alpha in the fourth quarter
Roberts 4731
A lovely example of the type with attractive toning.

The coins of Champagne feature a type of symbolism beloved by medieval Europeans. The field (champ) of the coin features a comb (peigne) which thus visually spells the name of the county. These coins were widely circulated as a result of the fairs held in Champagne during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries – so much so that even the senate in Rome copied the design. Thibaut IV was the last count to issue the design, but included a castle on top of the comb, perhaps lending further visual wordplay to the place of issue (as the legend denotes the place as being the Castri of Provins). There is a castle at Provins whose central keep bears a striking resemblance to the crenellations shown on this denier, but any connections to this being the inspiration for the design is speculation.