The chronology of the oldest cross deniers (Gumowski CNP Typ I)

Amongst the first imported silver coins from western Europe in hoards in the territories of the western Slavs after the decline of silver import from Central Asia are issues anonymous in both respect of ruler and mint which have been in discussion since the early nineteenth century. In research they have been called by various names such as Sachsenpfennige, Hochrandpfennige, Kreuzpfennige (German) or krzyżówki (Polish) and must originate from mint(s) in Eastern Saxony bordering Slavs. They are of importance for the understanding of the use and chronology of coined silver in Slavic lands, especially in Poland and eastern Germany. The example of the Strandby hoard in Denmark, where these occur in a larger number, are well documented and to a larger part are unfragmented, allows us to show that the hitherto used dating (Kilger 2000) is incorrect. All known varieties must have been struck before 983/984 and not up to c. 1000. There is no continuation to younger series with hammered edge appearing since early eleventh century.