Germany / Mecklenburg-Wismar Dreiling ND Mecklenburg-Wismar, Stadt. from 1392 XF/VF

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CIVITAS MAGNOPO
MONETA WYSMARI

Mecklenburg-Wismar Dreiling ND (from 1392) – A Rare Civic Coin of Medieval Germany

Introduction
The silver dreiling of Mecklenburg-Wismar, struck in the city of Wismar around 1392, is a remarkable relic of late medieval German coinage. Graded XF/VF, cataloged as Jesse 421, and weighing 0.86 grams, this scarce coin bears the inscriptions CIVITAS MAGNOPO and MONETA WYSMARI, proclaiming its civic origin. It offers a window into the economic and political vitality of Wismar, a thriving Hanseatic port in the Duchy of Mecklenburg.

Description
This small silver dreiling, typical of low-denomination coins used in daily trade, likely features designs characteristic of Wismar’s civic coinage. While specific details of this issue are not fully described, similar coins often display a heraldic shield or a stylized bull’s head (a symbol of Mecklenburg) on the obverse, paired with a cross or civic emblem on the reverse. The inscriptions CIVITAS MAGNOPO (likely referring to Mecklenburg or “great city”) and MONETA WYSMARI (“money of Wismar”) proudly declare the coin’s origin. Its XF/VF condition indicates well-preserved details, enhancing its appeal to collectors.

Historical Context
Wismar, a key member of the Hanseatic League by the late 14th century, was a bustling center of trade in the Baltic Sea region. In 1392, Mecklenburg was under the rule of the dukes of the House of Mecklenburg, but Wismar enjoyed significant autonomy, including the right to mint its own coins. This dreiling was struck during a period of economic prosperity driven by maritime commerce, with Wismar exporting goods like grain, timber, and fish. The coin reflects the city’s growing influence within the Hanseatic network, which connected ports across Northern Europe, fostering trade and cultural exchange. Politically, Mecklenburg’s dukes navigated tensions with neighboring powers, but Wismar’s civic authorities maintained control over local minting, underscoring their independence.

Numismatic Details
Weighing 0.86 grams, the dreiling was a fractional silver coin, valued at one-third of a pfennig, designed for small transactions in markets and taverns. Its silver content ensured trust in local trade, while its lightweight nature made it practical for circulation. Cataloged as Jesse 421, it belongs to a recognized series of Wismar’s medieval coinage, noted for its scarcity today. The XF/VF grade suggests minimal wear, preserving the coin’s fine engravings and inscriptions, a testament to its careful handling over centuries. Wismar’s mint produced coins that adhered to regional standards, facilitating their acceptance in Baltic trade networks.

Cultural and Political Symbolism
The dreiling’s inscriptions and potential imagery reflect Wismar’s civic pride and economic ambition. CIVITAS MAGNOPO may evoke the grandeur of Mecklenburg or Wismar’s self-perception as a significant city, while MONETA WYSMARI asserts the mint’s authority and the coin’s legitimacy. Symbols like the bull’s head, if present, would tie the coin to Mecklenburg’s ducal heritage, yet the civic focus of the inscriptions highlights Wismar’s semi-independent status within the duchy. As a Hanseatic city, Wismar used its coinage to project stability and trustworthiness, essential for attracting merchants and maintaining its role in international trade.

Conclusion
The Mecklenburg-Wismar dreiling of circa 1392 is a small but significant artifact of a dynamic era in Northern European history. Its fine condition, silver composition, and clear inscriptions make it a numismatic treasure, while its origins in a Hanseatic powerhouse reveal the interplay of commerce, civic identity, and regional politics. For historians and collectors, this coin encapsulates Wismar’s medieval prosperity and its enduring legacy within the Hanseatic League, offering a tangible link to a time when the city’s coins fueled trade across the Baltic and beyond.

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