Minting and the Friesacher Penny
Reading Time: 1:15 min
The Beginning of Coin Minting in Friesach
Between 1125 CE and 1130 CE, coin minting began in Friesach. The Friesach penny was originally minted according to the Cologne mark. It is therefore assumed that the first mint masters came from the Rhineland.
The Location of the Silver Mines
Silver mines were located at Zosen near Hüttenberg, Dobersberg (west of Friesach), and Dobritsch.
As early as the 10th century, the archbishops of Salzburg had their own coins minted. However, at that time, a subsistence economy prevailed, and money was mainly required for long-distance trade. Its primary use was in the slave trade. But as this declined due to Christianisation, Salzburg ceased minting coins. Minting was only resumed later in Friesach.
Documented Mention of the Friesacher Pfennig
In 1157 CE, the Friesach penny is mentioned in an original document. There are also recurring references to mint masters and money changers in Friesach.
Peak Importance and Spread
At the beginning of the 13th century CE, the importance of the Friesach penny reached its peak, and it became one of the most important coins of the European Middle Ages. It was even copied in many places. It spread to Upper Italy and Southeast Europe. The Friesach penny even became the most important coin in Hungary. It was only the Mongol invasions in the mid-13th century that brought this to an end.
In a coinage treaty from 14th July 1268 CE, the Carinthian ducal mint was aligned with that of Friesach. According to a treaty from 24th August 1334 CE, the silver content was reduced. About 30 years later, Salzburg ceased minting coins altogether.
Around 1506 CE, coins were minted again in Friesach, albeit only for a short time.
