Vijftigjarige viering van de onafhankelijkheid van Nederland, ter ere van Willem III, koning der Nederlanden 1863

This small silver commemorative medal honoring King Willem III of the Netherlands was made anonymously, likely in 1863. Notice the relatively low relief of the portrait and surrounding laurel wreath. This suggests it was die-struck, a process by which metal is forced into a mold under high pressure. Medals like this one speak to a fascinating intersection of craft and industrial production. Though individually made and commemorative, they depended on an economy of scale for their production, and a sophisticated metalworking industry. The relatively low cost of materials and production meant that these medals could be widely circulated, fostering a sense of national identity. Looking closely, you can see the effects of the die-striking process; the slightly rounded edges and the smooth, almost polished surface. The metal, though inexpensive, carries an important cultural significance as a symbol of value and durability. By understanding both the material and the method of production, we get a sense of how this small object played a role in shaping public sentiment.