Gronsveldse duit 1617 - 1662

Joost Maximiliaan van Bronckhorst Batenburg created this "Gronsveldse duit" – a small copper coin – distinguished by its circular shape and minimal design. The muted brown palette and the rough texture of the metal create a tangible sense of antiquity. The coin's structure is divided into two distinct sides, each bearing symbolic weight. One side features a heraldic lion enclosed within a rectangular frame, suggesting power and containment. The opposite side presents lettering arranged in a deliberate pattern, perhaps a semiotic system intended to convey authority or value. The physical wear and slight imperfections along the edges add an element of chance, challenging the idea of a fixed or pristine meaning. Consider how the artist has used the coin’s limited space to explore themes of representation and power. This “Gronsveldse duit” functions not only as currency, but also as a cultural artifact loaded with historical meaning.