Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen, prins en prinses van Oranje-Nassau 1787

This oval silver medal was created by Johann Heinrich Schepp. It depicts Willem V and Wilhelmina van Pruisen, prince and princess of Orange-Nassau. The medal is die-struck, a process where metal is forced into a die to take its form. Look closely, and you’ll see the crisp details achieved through this process. One side shows Willem V in profile, his hair neatly tied back, surrounded by an inscription. On the reverse, Wilhelmina is depicted with a helmet, symbolizing strength and protection. The choice of silver is significant. It was often used for commemorative objects, conveying value and prestige. Medals like these weren't just art objects; they were powerful tools of propaganda. They circulated widely, reinforcing the image and authority of the ruling family. The medal’s small scale allowed for mass production, making it accessible to a broader audience, embedding political messaging into everyday life. Considering the material and how it was crafted gives us insight into the medal’s original purpose, and social context.