Gelderse plak van hertog Eduard, 1361-1371 1361 - 1371

This is a Gelderse coin produced between 1361 and 1371 by Eduard, Duke of Gelre. The coin, with its worn surface and diminutive scale, presents a fascinating study in miniature form and symbolic representation. The circular composition is immediately striking, divided into distinct zones. An inner field contains the primary image, while an outer ring is filled with text. The use of concentric circles creates a sense of enclosure and focus, drawing the eye to the central motifs. On one side, a heraldic lion dominates; on the reverse, a cross within a quatrefoil. Consider how the coin's design functions as a semiotic device, conveying power, authority, and religious legitimacy. The heraldic lion would signify the Duke's lineage and strength. The cross, deeply embedded in the cultural and religious context, would reinforce divine sanction. The coin's circular form, with its continuous and unbroken line, is an emblem of wholeness and eternity. It invites us to reflect on the nature of value, representation, and the enduring human quest for meaning.