France, County of Maine, AR Denier, Le Mans 1015-1246

Herbert I, known as *Éveille-Chien* (“Wake-the-Dog”), was Count of Maine from around 1015 until his death in 1035. His unusual nickname reportedly referred to the constant vigilance required to defend Maine against its powerful Angevin neighbours. Herbert ruled during a turbulent period of feudal rivalry, frequently clashing with Fulk III Nerra, Count of Anjou, and with Avesgaud de Bellême, Bishop of Le Mans. He also played an important role in the Angevin victory at the Battle of Pontlevoy in 1016.

The denier associated with Herbert bears his monogram and the title **COMES CENOMANIS**, identifying him as Count of Maine or Le Mans. The reverse inscription **SIGNVM DEI VIVI** means “Sign of the Living God” and surrounds a Christian cross accompanied by the Greek letters alpha and omega. The design became so widely recognised that it continued to be struck as an immobilised coin type long after Herbert’s death. These deniers therefore reflect both Herbert’s growing independence and the important commercial position of Le Mans in medieval western France.