Rust in de Nederlanden, rekenpenning van de Staten van Utrecht 1593

This is a cast-bronze medal, likely made sometime in the 17th century in the Netherlands. As the inscription tells us, this is a ‘rekenpenning,’ or counting token, issued by the States of Utrecht. The material gives a sense of its purpose. Bronze is durable, made to last through constant handling. But like many coins and medals, it is also artistic. Here the low relief, with its carefully wrought lettering and heraldic imagery, speaks to the importance of the issuing authority. While the exact method is unclear, it would have involved a skilled metalworker who carved a die, then used it to impress multiple tokens. Like any mode of mass production, this process allows for repetition and wide circulation, imbuing the object with social and cultural significance. So, next time you hold a coin or medal, consider the ways in which this simple object, crafted from humble materials, can tell stories about labor, politics, and consumption. It is a reminder that even the smallest of things can have profound meaning.