The mint

In common with other towns founded by the Staufer dynasty Gelnhausen had its own mint. Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa permitted bracteates to be minted here. These were hollow coins made from thin silver sheet and had the impression only on one side making them like little dishes. One of the coin motives was the double portrait of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and his wife Beatrix of Burgundy. Beatrix also appeared alone.