Hollandse penning van Karel V, 1506-1555 1506 - 1520

This is a Hollandse penning van Karel V, or Dutch penny of Charles V. While we don’t know the exact date of production, we know it was made sometime during his reign between 1506 and 1555. Charles V was a towering figure who not only reigned as Holy Roman Emperor, but also as King of Spain. This small coin offers a glimpse into the economy and society of the time. Coins like these were the lifeblood of the early modern world, facilitating trade and commerce. They were used by everyone from merchants to peasants. It is a potent symbol of power and identity, meant to circulate widely. As such, it offers an insight into the construction of leadership. Charles V used imagery and symbols to assert his authority and legitimize his rule. Think about how something as small as a coin can carry so much weight. It connects us to the daily lives and political dramas of people who lived centuries ago.