Verenigde Belgische Staten 1790

Theodorus Victor van Berckel created this silver coin, titled "Verenigde Belgische Staten," in 1790. The coin was produced during a period of political upheaval in the Austrian Netherlands, now modern Belgium, and reflects the short-lived independent state formed after a revolt against Austrian rule. On one side, a lion stands with a shield that reads "Libertas," while the other features a complex design with symbols representing the various provinces that formed the "United Belgian States." This imagery is fascinating because it is about a union rooted in resistance to imperial power, yet still maintains symbols of authority and regional identity. It grapples with themes of liberation and unity. The coin embodies the emotional and political intensity of a nation struggling to define itself. Ultimately, this coin serves as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of political entities, and reflects the yearning for self-determination in a society undergoing profound change.