Zaltbommelse duit 1591

This small copper coin, known as a 'duit', was produced by the city of Zaltbommel. Coins like this were made by artisans working in a mint, using tools to cut, shape, and stamp the metal. The material itself speaks volumes. Copper was a relatively base metal, so this coin would have been used for small transactions. Its worn surface shows how it has passed through many hands over time, connecting people through commerce. The imagery stamped on the surface, including a lion and inscriptions, convey civic pride and authority. Making coins was a crucial undertaking, providing a reliable medium for economic exchange. The quality of the die-cutting affected how successful it was, while the baseness of the material reflected the status of the city. Looking at this coin, we can consider how craft and design intersect with social and economic life, and how everyday objects can carry significant cultural meaning.