Karel V, Duits keizer, rekenpenning van de rekenkamer van Holland te 's-Gravenhage 1550

This is a Dutch, anonymous, undated 'rekenpenning' or reckoning coin, of Charles V. It was used by the Chamber of Accounts in The Hague. Charles V inherited vast territories across Europe, and his reign was marked by religious conflict. He also oversaw the Spanish colonization of the Americas, which irrevocably linked his identity to both opportunity and exploitation. On one side, we see Charles in profile, embodying power and authority. But the coin also shows wear and tear, reflecting the complex legacies of leadership. A reckoning coin was used for accounting, reflecting his power over not just people, but also the economy. It reminds us of the countless individuals whose lives were impacted by his policies, from European nobles to indigenous populations across the Atlantic. Ultimately, this small coin invites us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of power, and how historical figures are immortalized, used, and remembered.