Verdrag van Münster van 24 oktober 1648 1648

Engelbert Kettler produced this silver coin in 1648, commemorating the Peace of Münster. Minting coins is a precise art, demanding expertise in metallurgy, engraving, and striking techniques. The coin’s visual texture is achieved through careful labor, transforming a precious metal into a symbol of political power. The choice of silver, with its inherent value and reflective qualities, elevates the coin beyond mere currency to a work of art. On one side, we see a detailed cityscape, while the other features an inscription framed by decorative flourishes. These motifs are meticulously carved into dies, which are then used to imprint the designs onto the metal. The process involves a careful balance of pressure and precision, underscoring the skills of the artisans involved. Consider that each strike of the die is a physical act, and the repetition of this process speaks volumes about the economic and social systems that supported its production. The coin reminds us that even the smallest of objects can carry immense cultural and historical weight.