Denomination: Silver denier

Period: Issued by the Duke of Burgundy 

Date: 1162-1192

Origin: Burgundy-Dijon mint

Condition: Fine

Obverse: Anille (heraldic tendrils) with pellet above and annulet below, +VGO DVX BVRG:DIE

Reverse: Cross, legend around +DIVIONENSIS

Size and Weight: 17mm, 0.63g

References: Roberts 4533-4

Features and Provenance: This little coin exemplifies where research can lead you when you delve into the past. It was issued for Hughes (Hugh) III whilst Duke of Burgundy from 1162 until his death in 1192. At that time, French nobility could produce their own coinage for their duchy, numismatists call this feudal coinage. He joined Philip II of France on his mission to conquer the Holy Land and take Jerusalem during the 'Third Crusade'. This was also known as the 'Kings' Crusade' as they were aided and abetted by no other than Richard I of England and Frederick the Holy Roman Emperor (King of Germany and Italy). Hugh acquitted himself well in battle apparently, but it is on record that he argued with Richard I over pay for the army; he died the same year, in 1192, but it is unlikely that the two were connected. Crusader coins are very varied and collectable as so many countries and leaders were involved, the troops must have taken coinage with them and it was probably intermingled with the coinages of other realms.      

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible