Ontzet van Oran, rekenpenning van de rekenkamer van Holland te 's-Gravenhage, ter ere van Filips II, koning van Spanje 1563 - 1564

This is a bronze coin, created by an anonymous artist to honor King Philip II of Spain. The coin was made in the accounting office of Holland in The Hague. The coin's circular form immediately signifies its function as a token of currency. Its low relief suggests it was struck from a die, a process requiring precision in both design and execution. The choice of bronze gives the coin a sense of durability and permanence, befitting its commemorative purpose. The coin is a product of the Dutch accounting office, which speaks to the intersection of commerce, politics, and artistic production. The production of coinage, while seemingly mundane, involved specialized labor and skilled craftsmanship. The coin’s creation reflects the social and economic structures of the time, and represents an intriguing example of how art is embedded in the everyday systems of labor and trade. The material and making of this coin offer a glimpse into the economic and political landscape of the time, blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and the infrastructures of power.