Zwolse snaphaanschelling, 1598 1598

The city of Zwolle made this silver coin, a snaphaanschelling, in 1598. Minting coins was a laborious, skilled undertaking involving metallurgy, engraving, and the use of specialized tools like dies and hammers. The coin’s silver composition was key, not only for its inherent monetary value, but also its malleability which allowed for the detailed impression of imagery and text. It was a perfect material to convey authority and value. This particular coin features an image of the city’s coat of arms, a symbol of municipal power. Think about the numerous hands this coin passed through, facilitating trade and enabling the growth of Zwolle as a commercial center. The production and circulation of coins like this weren’t just economic activities; they were integral to the social and political life of the city, binding people together through shared currency and shared identity. So next time you hold a coin, remember it's not just about the money; it's about the making, the material, and the meaning it carries.