Vroedschapspenning van de stad Gouda Possibly 1691

This is a Vroedschapspenning van de stad Gouda, a coin by Josias Drappentier, made in the late 17th or early 18th century. The coin’s structure immediately presents us with two distinct yet interconnected sides. On one side, we see a symbolic representation of the city itself. The composition is centered around a figure, possibly a personification of Gouda, flanked by busts and heraldic symbols. The arrangement creates a sense of balance and order. The other side shows the city's skyline, complete with ships and figures along the waterline. Here, the texture becomes more prominent, with the rippling water and architectural details adding depth. This side depicts Gouda as a thriving port city, emphasizing its economic and social vitality. The inscriptions around the edges, in Latin, act as framing devices, reinforcing the coin’s function as both an object of value and a carrier of meaning. Together, the two sides of the coin operate semiotically, each making statements about Gouda’s identity, power, and prosperity. This reflects not just the city’s image but also its self-perception within the broader context of Dutch society.