France, Abbey of St Martial at Limoges, denier, 12th century

Obv. SCS·MARCIAL; St. Martial’s bust in episcopal robe facing, bareheaded and with a very short beard.

Rev. +LEMOVICENSIS; a cross with a pearled bordure, with pairs of pellets at the endings.

Silver, 0.94 g, 18.8 mm. Duplessy (f) 883. Very Fine.

Deniers called barbarin after the bearded bust of St Martial, the founder of the bishopric of Limoges, were minted throughout the 12^th century and further until 1245, without clear variants. However, a gradually growing beard, falling weight and a slight reduction of the legend were observed. The specimen on offer has an exceptionally short saint's beard, the legend is full and correct, and the weight is relatively high, so it must belong to the early issue.