Expansie van de zeevaart 1596

This silver coin, 'Expansion of Shipping,' presents us with a fascinating dive into symbolic language. On one side, we see Arion, a poet of ancient Greece, being rescued by a dolphin. This scene is steeped in symbolism. Arion, thrown overboard, is saved by the dolphin drawn to his music—a potent symbol of salvation and the harmony between man and nature. The dolphin, a creature of the sea, is a recurring motif in ancient art, often linked to divine intervention. Consider its presence in Roman mosaics, acting as a psychopomp, guiding souls to the afterlife. Here, it embodies hope and deliverance amid the vast uncertainties of the sea. On the other side, we can see a crowned coat of arms, signaling a claim on land and maritime power. As we reflect on this coin, we are reminded that symbols are not static; they evolve, taking on new layers of meaning as they journey through time, adapting to the ever-changing currents of human history.