Stuiver van Groningen, 1690 1690

This Stuiver of Groningen was made in 1690 by the Stad Groningen. As a form of currency, this coin embodies the economic and political currents of the Dutch Republic during the late 17th century, a period marked by significant maritime trade and colonial expansion. The coin’s imagery, with its coat of arms, isn’t just about marking value; it silently speaks to issues of power and identity. Think about the labor and resources that were extracted to mint these coins, and whose hands they passed through. It prompts us to consider the everyday lives of people who lived under the economic system these coins facilitated. The Stuiver reflects the city's position within a complex web of global exchange, reminding us that even the smallest objects can carry the weight of history.