Vroedschapspenning van de stad 's-Hertogenbosch 1721

This Vroedschapspenning of the city of 's-Hertogenbosch was made in 1721 by Theodorus Casparus van Berckel from silver. The creation of this coin involved a combination of meticulous engraving and metalworking techniques. The design would have been carefully incised into a die, a hardened metal stamp, which was then used to strike the silver blank, leaving behind the intricate images and text you see here. Note the textures and details on the buildings and figures; these were painstakingly carved into the die, demanding a high level of skill. The choice of silver as a material isn't arbitrary. Beyond its inherent preciousness, silver has long been associated with trade and currency, making it a fitting medium for a civic symbol. Furthermore, the act of minting coins and medals was, at this time, closely tied to political power. By producing this coin, the city asserted its authority and commemorated its identity through carefully considered messaging and imagery. In the end, understanding the role of materials and processes allows us to appreciate the multiple layers of meaning embedded in this small but significant work.