Hollandse penning van Floris V, 1256-1296 1284 - 1286

This is a silver penny, made between 1256 and 1296, issued by and depicting Floris V, the Count of Holland and Zeeland. Coins are more than just money; they're powerful symbols of authority. In medieval Holland, the Count's image stamped on currency visually reinforced his power. This penny, likely minted in Dordrecht, Holland's oldest city, circulated within a complex web of trade and political alliances. The image of Floris V, though stylized, would have been instantly recognizable, legitimizing his rule in an era of fragmented power. The study of such objects involves numismatics, the science of money, and the study of archives and trade records. Art history also involves the study of institutional history; the mint was itself a vital institution, operating under the Count’s authority. By studying this coin, we can shed light on the social and economic structures that shaped medieval Holland and the role of imagery in medieval politics.