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Denier - Otto II as emperor, Cologne mint
| Issuer | Holy Roman Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 973-983 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | The reverse presents a monogram-cross design in which the mint name COLONIA is arranged in the form of a cross, with the letters disposed across the four arms. The letter S appears at the top of the vertical arm, while A is placed at the foot, and COLONI occupies the horizontal arm, forming the cruciform legend. A beaded border encircles the entire design, consistent with Ottonian hammered silver penny production at Cologne. The large, boldly struck letterforms are characteristic of the Cologne mint's output during the reign of Otto II. |
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| Additional information |
Otto II received imperial coronation in 967 while his father still lived, making him co-emperor for eight years before sole rule began in 973 — an arrangement designed to secure Ottonian dynastic continuity after the uncertainties of his grandfather's succession. The Cologne mint held particular strategic importance for the dynasty, sitting at the intersection of Rhineland trade routes and ecclesiastical authority under the Archbishop of Cologne, who exercised considerable influence over coinage rights in the region.
Otto II's decade as sole emperor ended with his death at 28 following the catastrophic defeat at Stilo in 982 against Sicilian Arab forces — the worst Ottonian military loss on record.