Reclamepenning van lettergieterij Flinsch uit Frankfurt op de Internationale Koloniale en Uitvoerhandel-Tentoonstelling te Amsterdam 1883 1883

This coin, struck by the Flinsch type foundry of Frankfurt for the 1883 Amsterdam Exhibition, is rich in symbolism that speaks volumes about cultural memory and aspiration. The prominent heraldic lion, a symbol of strength and nobility, stands guard beside a shield emblazoned with stars. This motif, echoing across centuries, resurfaces in various guises from medieval heraldry to modern national emblems. Consider the lion's evolution, from a protector of royal lineages to a symbol of civic pride. It appears in ancient Assyrian reliefs, medieval tapestries, and even Walt Disney films, each time imbued with new layers of meaning, yet forever tied to its primal essence. Such symbols tap into a collective subconscious, a shared reservoir of cultural archetypes. The lion, in particular, evokes a sense of power and authority, resonating deeply with our innate desires for security and dominance. This coin isn't merely a token of commerce but a potent emblem, a reminder of the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols and their enduring influence on our cultural landscape.