Rekenpenning geslagen op last van de Staten van Utrecht 1574

This silver ‘Rekenpenning’ or counting token, was struck in Utrecht, Netherlands in 1574. As an object made by anonymous hands under the direction of the Dutch States, it brings into view a whole world of labour and commerce. Consider the materiality of the piece: the cool, solid feel of the silver in the hand; the shine that it would have had when freshly minted. Its circular format and stamped images allowed for replication, which was essential to the token's function. The repetitive actions involved in minting would have been labour intensive, but each coin was a small investment intended to facilitate larger transactions. On one side, you can see a figure holding a candle, sitting on a lion. On the other, a partially draped allegorical figure. Note the inscription. Each element tells a story. Ultimately, this token is a reminder that even the smallest objects can offer insights into the economic, social, and political forces that shape our world.