Gelderse stuiver, 1640 1640

This 'Gelderse Stuiver', was made in 1640 by the Province of Gelderland. Notice the coin's circular form, a deliberate choice, providing both a contained space for its imagery and a tactile experience for its users. The materiality speaks volumes. Struck from metal, its surface bears the marks of time and wear, transforming it into a relic. These imperfections create a unique texture, a visual record of its journey through history. The images and inscriptions pressed onto its surface present a study in semiotics. Each symbol, line, and number was carefully chosen to convey meaning, value, and authority. Consider how such an object functions not just aesthetically but as a microcosm of a larger cultural and economic system. Its creation and circulation reflect the structures of power, trade, and identity of its time. A coin is never simply a coin, but a site of ongoing interpretation, deeply embedded within the complex tapestry of human history.