Vroedschapspenning van de stad Gouda Possibly 1706 - 1716

This is a silver Vroedschapspenning from the city of Gouda, though we don’t know exactly when it was made, or by whom. It's a cast piece, likely from a carved model. The process would have begun by alloying silver, mixing it with other metals for hardness. Molten silver was then poured into the mold and allowed to cool. After, the coin would have been filed and burnished to bring out the details. The imagery is rich with civic symbolism. These would have been commissioned to commemorate important events or to honor city officials. The choice of silver itself is significant, reflecting Gouda's economic prosperity. Coinage like this served not just as currency, but also as a medium for conveying political messages. The production of such objects was a highly skilled craft, reflecting the social and economic values of the time. So, next time you look at a coin or medal, consider the artistry and labor involved in its making. It is a small artwork, but one that speaks volumes about power, place, and the pride of a city.