A very rare issue of Johann III Romka from the highly sought-after and desirable Neisse (Nysa) mint. An interesting example of medieval episcopal coinage from Silesia, distinguished by its characteristic iconography directly referring to the authority and patronage of the Bishops of Wrocław.
Jan III Romka served as Bishop of Wrocław from 1292 to 1301. His episcopate coincided with the gradual strengthening of the bishops’ position within their estates around Neisse, which would eventually develop into a distinct territory under ecclesiastical rule. Neisse was one of the most important episcopal centres in Silesia and also became an important centre of local coin production.
The present example is cracked and repaired, with a clearly visible fracture running across the flan. Despite the damage, the principal elements of the designs on both sides remain clearly legible, including the characteristic head of St John and the bishop’s mitre.
Silesia, Duchy of Neisse, Johann III Romka (1292-1301), Kwartnik undated, Neisse mint
Obverse: head of St. Jana in front with long hair, quadruple in rim
Reverse: miter with balls and two crosses inside, stars in rim
Diameter 19 mm, weight 1.75 g
