Zwolse duit, 1639 1639

This is a copper Zwolse duit, made in the city of Zwolle in 1639. The material of this coin speaks volumes. Copper, a relatively base metal, signals its low denomination. But don't let its humble origins fool you. The very act of minting this coin involved skilled labor: the careful die-cutting to create the inverse of the design, the precise striking of the metal to impress the image, and the quality control to ensure uniform size and weight. The coin's design, though simple, is a potent symbol of civic power. Consider the physical process of its production, multiplied across countless coins, each one facilitating trade and projecting Zwolle's authority. It is a reminder that even the smallest, most functional objects can be rich with social and political meaning. Appreciating the material and the making helps us see this coin not just as currency, but as a small but significant artifact of its time.