Charles the Bald (843-877). Silver Denier, undated (1.45g). Rennes mint. Karolus monogram; + GRATIA D-I REX, Rev. Cross; +HREDONISCIVITAS. (MG 1045; Roberts 1423). In NGC holder graded AU 58, sharply struck and toned. Value $750 - UP
Despite his traditional description as "the Bald", there is very little evidence to indicate that Charles II actually had any problems with his hairline. In the surviving sculptural, engraved, and painted representations of this Carolingian king he is always depicted with a full head of hair. This has led to much speculation as to the true meaning of his nickname. It has been variously suggested that it was used ironically because Charles II was actually a very hairy man or makes mocking reference to the fact that he initially had no kingdom of his own under his father, whereas his brothers had been ruling as sub-kings under Louis the Pious for years. Following this line of explanation, in 843 West Francia became Charles' toupee, covering his previous unsightly royal baldness. After years of struggle, in 858 Charles exchanged this toupee for an even grander wig when he was crowned Holy Roman Emperor as a successor to his nephew Louis II. However, Charles' brother, Louis the German, who was a rival candidate for the imperial crown attempted to trim his locks by devastating large swathes of West Francia. When Louis died in 876, Charles II moved to seize his brother's domains in East Francia, but was repulsed by the nobles. He fell ill the following year, and died while crossing the Alps from Italy to West Francia. Charles the Bald was hastily buried at the Abby of Nantua in Burgundy, reportedly because his attendants could no longer withstand the stench of his decaying corpse. The great hairpiece of West Francia was thence inherited by Charles' son, Louis the Stammerer.