Hollandse zilveren rijder, 1672 1672

This is a Dutch silver rider coin, created in 1672 by the Province of Holland. At a time when the Dutch Republic was under pressure from external forces, this coin embodies themes of identity, power, and resilience. The rider on horseback, brandishing a sword, symbolizes strength and readiness to defend the realm. The imagery evokes the traditional representations of masculinity linked with leadership and military prowess. It omits the narratives of the experiences and contributions of women, people of color, and other marginalized communities. This tells a story of power that can be both inspiring and alienating, depending on who is looking at it. What does it mean to see yourself represented, or erased, in symbols of national identity? Coins like these are reminders of the stories we tell about ourselves, and the stories that remain untold.