Inhuldiging van keurvorst Frederik Willem van Brandenburg als hertog van Pommeren 1678

This silver coin, commemorating the inauguration of Elector Frederick William of Brandenburg as Duke of Pomerania, was made by Johann Höhn around 1677. Minting coins is a fascinating process that intersects art, technology, and economics. The designs are first engraved into dies, and then these are used to strike the metal, impressing the image onto the coin's surface. This coin’s two sides show the Duke’s portrait and the city of Stettin, visually linking his power to a specific place. Beyond its face value, this coin embodies the intricate dance between artistry and industrialization. The act of minting, historically tied to sovereign power, reflects both the ruler’s authority and the skilled labor required to produce currency and propagate political messages. It’s a potent reminder that even small objects can carry substantial cultural and historical weight.