Henryk the Bearded Denar

Despite its unassuming size, the Henryk the Bearded Denar features one of the earliest known portraits of a Polish ruler on a coin, showing Duke Henryk with his trademark beard that historians link to his vigorous rule over Silesia.

This silver denar, struck during his reign from 1201 to 1238, likely in Wroclaw or another Silesian mint—though exact locations remain debated among scholars—served as currency in a region then fracturing under Piast family disputes. The obverse typically bears the duke's image, while the reverse might display a cross or simple inscription, reflecting the era's blend of authority and faith. We know these coins weighed around 1 gram, but variations suggest inconsistent production.

Mintage figures are lost to time, possibly destroyed in later conflicts.

Some numismatists note that the beard on these denars gives Henryk a perpetually stern expression, as if he's judging your collection from across the ages.