Hollandse bourgondische rijksdaalder van Philips II, 1568 1568

This is a Dutch Burgundian Rijksdaalder, made in 1568 under Philip II of Spain. The coin, small in size, presents a fascinating formal study in miniature. The circular form, aged with a tactile, granular surface, creates an immediate sense of historical weight. The central design, densely packed, features the crowned arms of Philip II, surrounded by text. Note how the composition is structured around radial symmetry. The crown is a focal point, and from there, emblematic shapes create radiating patterns, which are echoed in the circular arrangement of the inscription. The use of Latin in the inscription signifies power, while the heraldic imagery reinforces concepts of sovereignty and legitimacy. The coin is a semiotic object, where form and content merge to communicate authority. The worn condition further adds to the coin's meaning. It is a remnant of a past, a physical link to historical, economic, and political systems. This piece destabilizes the notion of fixed value and serves as a constant reminder of how meaning and interpretation evolve over time.