The Mecklenburg-Rostock Witten ND (to 1379): A Glimpse into Medieval Hanseatic Coinage
Introduction The Mecklenburg-Rostock Witten ND, struck in the city of Rostock in the Duchy of Mecklenburg before 1379, is a rare silver coin that embodies the economic and cultural dynamism of a key Hanseatic League port. Graded F (Fine) and cataloged as Jesse 308, this 1.03-gram coin reflects Rostock’s prominence in the medieval Baltic trade network. Its inscriptions and modest craftsmanship provide a window into the numismatic practices and historical context of Mecklenburg during a period of regional autonomy and flourishing commerce.
Numismatic Description The Mecklenburg-Rostock Witten is a striking example of late 14th-century German coinage, designed for practical use in local trade: * Material: Silver, a standard for small denomination coins of the era, ensuring trust in commercial transactions. * Weight: 1.03 grams, typical for a witten, a low-value coin used widely in the Baltic region for everyday exchanges. * Obverse: Inscribed “CIVITAS:NAGNOPOL” (likely an abbreviated or stylized form of “Civitas Magnopolis,” meaning “City of Rostock”), signifying its municipal origin. * Reverse: Inscribed “MONETA:ROSTKCE” (“Money of Rostock”), affirming the coin’s minting in Rostock and its role as local currency. * Mint: Rostock, a major Baltic port and Hanseatic League member, renowned for its economic influence in medieval trade networks. * Condition: Graded F (Fine), the coin exhibits moderate to significant wear, yet retains legible inscriptions, making it a valuable piece for collectors despite its circulated state. Cataloged as Jesse 308, this witten was produced by Rostock’s municipal mint, reflecting the city’s autonomy in coin production under the Duchy of Mecklenburg. Its simple design emphasizes functionality, characteristic of coins intended for daily commerce in bustling markets.
Historical Context In the late 14th century, Mecklenburg was a duchy within the Holy Roman Empire, governed by the influential House of Mecklenburg. Rostock, a thriving port city, joined the Hanseatic League in the 13th century, becoming a vital hub for trade in goods such as fish, grain, and timber across the Baltic Sea. By 1379, during the reign of dukes like Albrecht II or Heinrich III, Rostock enjoyed significant economic independence, including the privilege of minting its own coins. The Witten ND was struck during a period of relative prosperity for Mecklenburg, before the political fragmentation of the 15th century. As a low-denomination coin, it supported everyday transactions in Rostock’s vibrant markets, facilitating the city’s role in the Hanseatic trade network that connected northern Germany, Scandinavia, and the Baltic states. The coin’s inscriptions, proclaiming Rostock’s civic authority, underscore the city’s pride and economic strength within the feudal structure of the Holy Roman Empire.
Numismatic and Cultural Significance The Mecklenburg-Rostock Witten holds historical and collectible value due to its rarity and context: * Rarity: Graded F, the coin shows signs of extensive circulation, yet its survival is noteworthy, as many low-denomination coins were lost or melted down over time. * Historical Insight: The witten captures Rostock’s role as a Hanseatic powerhouse in the late 14th century, reflecting the economic and political dynamics of Mecklenburg under ducal and municipal governance. * Cultural Symbolism: The inscriptions “CIVITAS:NAGNOPOL” and “MONETA:ROSTKCE” highlight Rostock’s civic identity and autonomy, aligning with the Hanseatic League’s emphasis on independent city governance within feudal systems. * Conclusion The Mecklenburg-Rostock Witten ND (to 1379) is a numismatic relic that illuminates the economic vitality and civic pride of medieval Rostock. Its 1.03-gram silver composition and Fine condition underscore its role as a functional currency, while its inscriptions tie it to a prominent Hanseatic port. For collectors, its rarity and cataloging (Jesse 308) make it a treasured artifact, while historians value it as a tangible link to Mecklenburg’s trade-driven prosperity. This humble coin stands as a testament to Rostock’s significance in the late medieval Baltic world.
Sources: * Numismatic details are based on the provided catalog number (Jesse 308) and studies of Hanseatic and Mecklenburg coinage. * Historical context draws from records of Mecklenburg’s history and Rostock’s role in the Hanseatic League.