Imitation of Class 5, London, Henri, issued in the name of Bernhard III of Lippe. Obv: BERNhARDV III Oval eyes. Thick crown-band with low central fleur, as in English class 5g. Necklines. Rev: hEI/RIO/NLV/NDE - with ND ligated, and an angular pellet on the N. RIC: 8/8/7/8 No central rosette. Weight: 1.36 gm. Notes: Weweler #51. Coin sold by Muenz Auktion, Germany.

Bernhard III:

Lippe is located in the east of North Rhine - Westphalia, Germany. The district of Lippe is named after the Lords of Lippe and their Principality of Lippe . It was a state within the Holy Roman Empire and retained statehood until 1947, when it became a district of North Rhine-Westphalia.

After 1180, Bernhard II (1167-1196) and his grandson, Bernhard III, consistently expanded the territory of Lippe. By occupying chief ecclesiastical positions in the North German dioceses, authority extended further and further. This house supplied, amongst others, the bishops of Utrecht (Otto II), Paderborn (Bernhard IV, Simon I, Bernhard V, and Simon III), Bremen (Gerhard II), Munster (Otto II) and the Abbess of Herford (Gertrud). The right of minting dates to 1230.

Of interest from the continental imitations viewpoint is Bernhard III, the son of Lord Herman II and his wife, Oda of Tecklenburg . His father fell in battle in 1229, and Bernhard III succeeded him as Lord of Lippe. After 1232, he would style himself by the grace of God, and sometimes Count of Lippe. Through his brother, Bishop Simon I of Paderbron, he acquired further offices, and reorganized the church in his principality. Bernhard had a dispute with the city of Lippstadt , because it would not allow him to build a castle. He also fought feuds against the cities of Ravensberg and Sternberg, and against the House of Waldeck . His frequent feuds weakened the House of Lippe.



CIass 1 imitation. - London Class 1 imitation Obv: Star and crescent initial mark, legend illegible. Crude bust. Rev: RON/ROL/__E/VND The groups of 3 pellets within each quadrant are joined. Weight: 1.12 gm, rare, images courtesy of Rickie Rose.