Amsterdam, brandspuitpenning van wijk 13, geslagen ter ere van vaandrig Bernard Scholten de Jonge 1739

This small silver medal was struck in Amsterdam to honor Ensign Bernard Scholten de Jonge of District 13's fire brigade. The medal provides a glimpse into the social structures of 18th-century Amsterdam, where civic duty and social status were closely linked. In Amsterdam at this time, membership in organizations like the fire brigade wasn’t just about public service; it was also a marker of one’s position within the community. For Ensign de Jonge, this medal symbolizes not only his commitment to protecting his fellow citizens but also his elevated social standing, which would have likely been associated with wealth and citizenship. On the coin we see the coat of arms of Amsterdam, supported by two lions. What does it mean to commemorate civic duty with an object of status? This medal makes you consider the intertwined relationship between public service, social identity, and personal ambition.