Hollandse wapenstuiver, 1734 1734

This 'Hollandse wapenstuiver' was struck in 1734 by the Province of Holland. The silver coin presents a circular form, its tactile nature emphasized by the embossed heraldic imagery and lettering. The obverse features the crowned arms of Holland flanked by 'I' and 'S', while the reverse simply states 'Hollandia' above the year. This seemingly simple design operates on multiple levels. The structured arrangement of text and heraldry isn't merely decorative; it is a deliberate act of signification. Note the rigorous geometric placement of elements and the minimal use of ornamentation. The very absence of excessive adornment speaks to the coin's function as a tool of state, designed for utility, and symbolic communication. Consider how this tiny object embodies the broader cultural codes and power structures of its time. The coin's materiality—its metallic composition and modest dimensions—contrasts sharply with the grandiosity of the claims it makes about sovereignty and economic might. It is a paradox: a small object bearing a weighty message.