Vroedschapspenning van de stad 's-Gravenhage Possibly 1733

This is Johannes Drappentier’s ‘Vroedschapspenning van de stad 's-Gravenhage', a silver coin, likely minted in the first half of the 18th century. Coins such as this offer insight into the values and self-perception of the Dutch Republic, particularly of its cities. On one side, we see a representation of The Hague. The other side features the allegorical figure of Justice, holding scales, a cannon at her feet. Justice is often depicted as a woman, embodying virtues like fairness and reason. In the context of the Dutch Republic, this image of justice is powerful. It reflected the Republic’s investment in a legal system that, at least in theory, applied equally to all citizens. Yet, consider what might be missing from this image. Where are the people who were excluded from this vision of justice? What did justice mean for those living under colonial rule, or for the enslaved people who were the source of so much of the Republic’s wealth? Ultimately, this coin invites us to consider the complex relationship between image and reality, between the ideals a society promotes and the lived experiences of all its members.