Noodmunten uit Amsterdam 1844

Johannes Hilverdink made this print called 'Noodmunten uit Amsterdam' at an unknown date, using etching. As a print, this artwork allows the distribution and study of these 'emergency coins'. These coins are a material response to the political and economic disruptions of 1575, during the Dutch Revolt. The symbols and emblems on the coins were integral to the formation of national identity. The crowns and heraldic imagery refer to civic and national authority, which was in flux at this time. The coins testify to a society grappling with war, where control over currency became a statement of power. This print serves not just as a record, but also as a reminder of how deeply economic stability is tied to social order and political legitimacy. The presence of these objects underscores a time when everyday items became symbols of resilience, resistance, and a community's will to survive.