Vroedschapspenning van de stad 's-Hertogenbosch 1732

This is a silver medallion, crafted in 1727 by Theodorus Casparus van Berckel. It commemorates the city council of 's-Hertogenbosch, now in the Netherlands. The die-struck imagery - on one side, a depiction of the city itself, on the other, the town hall - speaks to the civic pride of the city. Note how the metal is not just a neutral ground for the image; it is intrinsic to the medallion's very purpose. The coin is made of silver, a precious metal often used for currency and objects of high status. It's designed to be held, and its tactile presence underscores the significance of the city council it represents. Consider the labor involved in its production; from the mining of the silver to the skilled craftsmanship of the die-maker, the coin embodies a whole network of social relations. By attending to these aspects, we can appreciate how this small object carries within it a wealth of cultural and historical meaning, far beyond its monetary value.