Vijfentwintigjarig regeringsjubileum van Willem III, koning der Nederlanden 1874

This silver medal commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the reign of William III, King of the Netherlands, was created by Moses de Vries, a Dutch Jewish engraver, in 1874. De Vries, who also designed banknotes, here employs a classical style to convey a conservative message of enduring monarchy. On one side, allegorical female figures flank William III, representing traditional virtues. On the other side, a poem celebrates the stability and prosperity of the Netherlands under his rule. Yet, the medal's creation occurred during a time of social and political change, with growing calls for democratic reforms and greater social equality. William III, often perceived as authoritarian, struggled to maintain power amidst these changing tides. The medal, therefore, becomes a fascinating artifact, simultaneously celebrating the monarchy while hinting at the social tensions simmering beneath the surface of Dutch society. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly straightforward commemorative objects can reflect complex and contested histories.