Vrede van Munster 1648

This silver coin, created by Engelbert Kettler, commemorates the Peace of Munster. It is a small, but powerful object representing the end of the Thirty Years' War in 1648. The detailed imagery on this coin speaks volumes about the complex interplay of power, religion, and identity in 17th-century Europe. On one side, we see a rendering of the city of Munster, a symbol of the negotiations that took place there. Above the city hovers a Latin inscription. On the flip side, an image of nature. The choice to represent a natural landscape can be understood as a longing for peace and prosperity after decades of conflict. Think about the weight of this coin. It is a token of immense historical significance, embodying the hopes and dreams of a war-torn continent. As such, it serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict, and the enduring desire for peace.