Zeeuwse dubbele stuiver, 1699 1699

This is a Zeeuwse double, or two-stuiver coin, made in 1699 by the Province of Zeeland, which is in the Netherlands. The coin’s circular form, measuring only two centimeters in diameter, is immediately striking due to its imperfections. The edges are roughly hewn, disrupting the perfect geometry one might expect. The coin’s surface is dominated by a structured arrangement of text. The words "ZEE LANDIA" are stacked vertically, intersected by the date "1699" at the bottom. The lettering, though somewhat crude, maintains a sense of balance and symmetry. This structured layout contrasts with the coin's irregular shape, creating a compelling tension between order and chaos. Consider the material—likely silver—its surface worn and aged. Each scratch and imperfection tells a story of circulation, of countless transactions, reflecting broader historical and economic contexts. The coin itself, therefore, becomes a signifier, embodying concepts of value, exchange, and power. As a relic, it prompts ongoing interpretation, allowing new insights into our understanding of history, art, and value.