Jan Carel Josephus van Speijk 1831

This small coin, commemorating Jan Carel Josephus van Speijk, was made by an anonymous artist. The metal would have been heated to a molten state, before being poured into a mold. This process, known as casting, allowed for the relatively quick production of commemorative coins. It’s likely that many examples of this coin were created, intended for distribution amongst the Dutch public. The design features a portrait of van Speijk, surrounded by laurel leaves, along with the inscription ‘ICI VAN SPEIJK’. The coin’s small size and weight made it easily portable, allowing individuals to keep it as a personal memento. The creation and distribution of commemorative coins like this served to reinforce a shared sense of national identity, reminding the public of the sacrifices made by individuals like van Speijk in the name of their country. Looking at an object like this reminds us that design and craft practices are always intertwined with political and social issues.