Westfriese bezemstuiver, 1739 1739

This Westfriese bezemstuiver was made in 1739 by the governing body of the West-Friesland region. In the 18th century, the Dutch Republic was a major economic power, but beneath the surface prosperity, there were deep social inequalities. Currency like this coin tells a silent story about regional power, trade, and the everyday lives of people. West-Friesland, like other regions, sought to maintain its economic interests, and this coin was a small but tangible expression of that desire. The term 'bezemstuiver' – broom coin – hints at the practice of sweeping away smaller, often foreign, coins from the local economy to keep the regional economy afloat. A seemingly simple object, the coin represents a complex web of political maneuvering, economic survival, and regional identity. It is a reminder that even the smallest artifacts can offer insight into the larger forces shaping history and our lives.