Nazien van de munt van Harderwijk, tijdens het bestuur van Anna van Hannover, regentesse over de Nederlanden 1752

This silver coin was made by Martin Holtzhey to commemorate the mint of Harderwijk during the rule of Anne of Hanover, regent of the Netherlands. The coin features visual codes relating to nationhood and governance. One side depicts a knight on horseback, sword raised, with the inscription 'Pro Patria Pugno' - 'I fight for the Fatherland', evoking military strength. The other side shows Anne of Hanover seated, suggesting a formal, almost institutional setting of rule. The Netherlands in the 18th century was a complex society, shaped by its geography as a coastal trading nation, its Protestant religion, its history of struggle for independence, and its social stratification. This coin reflects these socio-political forces, presenting ideas of national strength and virtuous leadership. Historical sources can reveal how such images served to legitimise power and reinforce social order. The meaning of this coin is thus contingent on its historical and institutional context.