Nederlandse 10 cent, 1827 1827

This ten-cent coin was produced in the Netherlands in 1827, under the authority of King Willem I. Made of solid silver, the coin's production involved several processes: the smelting and refining of the metal, the die-striking of the image, and finally the milling of the coin's edge to deter counterfeiting. This was a moment when industrialization was just beginning to impact such processes. Though still requiring skilled labor, coin production was becoming more efficient, part of a broader shift towards a money-based economy. Note the prominent ‘W’ surmounted by a crown, asserting royal power over economic activity. But also consider the sheer quantity of these coins that were produced, each one a small token enabling countless transactions. Ultimately, this humble object reflects the profound relationship between materials, labor, and the centralized systems of power and finance that define modern life.