Succes in de strijd tegen Spanje 1578

This silver coin, "Success in the Struggle Against Spain," was designed by Gerard van Bylaer around 1578. Notice its circular form; this shape is not just a practical choice for currency but also a symbolic one, evoking notions of wholeness and continuity. One side presents a standing figure, perhaps a representation of freedom, balanced by a seated figure opposite, creating a composition that invites contemplation. The lion on the other side is a powerful symbol, rendered with a degree of naturalism that belies its symbolic weight. The inscriptions that frame the images are not mere labels but integral components, directing our gaze and prompting us to decode the coin’s message. These visual and textual elements function as signs within a complex semiotic system, reflecting the political and cultural tensions of the time. Coins like this serve not only as currency but as enduring symbols of power, identity, and resistance.