Rekenpenning van de nieuw opgerichte rekenkamer van de Staatsgezinden te Gent 1580

This copper coin was made in 1780 for the newly established Chamber of Accounts of the States Party in Ghent. The coin features a coat of arms, a symbol of identity and allegiance. But it is the image of the tree, laden with fruit, that truly captures our attention. The fruitful tree is not merely a symbol of prosperity; it echoes ancient motifs of the Tree of Life, a universal symbol found across cultures, representing growth, fertility, and interconnectedness. The motif of the tree appears in various guises, from the biblical Tree of Knowledge to the Norse Yggdrasil, each embodying profound spiritual and cultural significance. In this context, the tree and its flourishing fruit might suggest a hope for renewed prosperity under the new Chamber of Accounts. Consider the inherent optimism in this symbol – a silent yet powerful force engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Thus, the tree on this coin is not a static emblem but a vessel of accumulated meanings, resurfacing and evolving as it traverses through time.