Ulrich, hertog van Wurtemburg en Teck 1507

Editor: This is Ulrich, hertog van Wurtemburg en Teck, created in 1507 by an anonymous artist. It's a Northern Renaissance print, a relief seemingly cast in metal – maybe even silver? The image has two sides to it and the figure appears to be riding a horse, with Latin words around the edges. What I'm seeing here is incredibly dense and intricate, yet also feels...somehow faded, or ghostly. It evokes a sense of history being literally worn away. What’s your perspective? Curator: Ghostly... I love that word choice for this coin! I wonder if that resonates so deeply because it truly is an object worn smooth by the passage of time and countless hands, reflecting how even rulers are only temporal figures passing through history, on horseback or otherwise. Don't you think it is also quite striking how much importance is being placed on such a diminutive object? To mint this with such artistry! I think it gives a hint of Ulrich's ambitions to stake his place and name for years to come. Do you see any other indications? Editor: The lettering all around does imply this self-importance… So it was both money *and* propaganda? Curator: Exactly! A fascinating little emblem and symbol of worldly ambition. And of course, art! Did you notice how similar this is in shape and form to ancient Roman coins that were excavated during the Renaissance, serving as symbols of power? Editor: Fascinating! Now that you point that out, it is a really compact history lesson right here in my hand. A lot to consider with a coin! Curator: It is almost like time itself, ever spinning and reflecting on our own faces.