Hollandse duit, 1740. Afslag in zilver 1740

This is a Dutch duit coin, struck in silver in 1740 by the province of Holland. Look closely, and you'll see the crowned heraldic lion, symbol of courage and royalty, gripping a sword and arrows. The lion is enclosed within a fence, an enclosure that suggests boundaries, protection, or even confinement. This lion, a fierce emblem of regional identity, echoes through the ages. We see it in medieval bestiaries, Renaissance tapestries, and even modern political cartoons. In each context, the lion's symbolism shifts. Sometimes a symbol of bravery, sometimes of aggression. Its constant evolution speaks to our collective fascination with power and identity. The fence, too, has a story. A barrier, it evokes a sense of security but also hints at the anxieties of a society. It’s a visual representation of the borders that define us. Consider how the unconscious mind might react to these powerful symbols. The lion might ignite feelings of pride and courage, while the fence could stir up fears of isolation. This coin captures a moment in time and invites us to reflect on how symbols resonate and evolve in the theater of history.