Carolingian. Berengar I (888-924) Denier ND (915-924) MS62 NGC (photo-certificate), Pavia mint, Fourth Coinage, MEC I-1019, Dep-780T (2 examples studied), Biaggi-1814 (R3), MIR-818 (R3). 22mm. 1.23gm. +BERENGΛRIVS IMP (B in the shape of barred D), Chi-Rho with pellets in angles / +XPISTIΛNΛ RELICI around PΛ | PIΛ | CI in three lines. A highly rare emission from this technically non-Carolingian monarch who was elected to take control of Italy following the deposition of Charles the Fat in 887. Remarkably recorded by Depeyrot from only two examples, although the type is slightly more available than this figure would suggest, it is by no means plentiful. Indeed most examples come far more poorly preserved, typically off-center on very oversized scyphate flans. Although this piece shows a minor crack between the rim and outer margin of the stamp between roughly 2 and 4 o'clock, it is otherwise choice in all regards, blazing with icy white luster as die polish grips the recesses between the designs.

HID09801242017

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