Nederlandse ½ cent, 1869 1869

This is a Dutch half-cent coin, minted in 1869, during the reign of King Willem III. Willem's image isn't on the coin, but his power certainly is. Consider for a moment this currency as an emblem of national identity. Small in size yet monumental in its implications, the coin speaks volumes about the cultural and economic values of the Netherlands during the 19th century. Who was able to accumulate wealth, and what was the experience of those who were excluded? In what ways did this influence how they saw themselves? The coin is stamped with the year of its making but remains an artifact of enduring power. It reflects the political and economic structures of its time, as well as how these forces impacted the lives of everyday Dutch citizens. This small copper disc asks us to consider the intersections of power, wealth, and identity.