Herdenkingsdaalder tweede eeuwfeest van de Reformatie, te Saalfelden gevierd 1717

This is a commemorative coin crafted in Saalfelden, likely around the time of the second centenary of the Reformation. Its circular form, typical for currency, is disrupted by an uneven edge, hinting at the wear and tear of history. The coin presents two portraits. These embossed figures, surrounded by inscriptions, utilize the limited space to convey symbolic weight. The artist's hand is evident in the detailed carving, where the texture of hair and fabric is meticulously rendered. Yet, the material’s surface bears marks of age, a palimpsest of time. The coin's significance goes beyond its monetary value. As a commemorative object, it encapsulates a pivotal moment in religious history. The Reformation, with its challenge to established dogma, echoes in the coin's very form. The worn edges and faded details remind us that history is not a fixed narrative but a process of constant reinterpretation. The Reformation questioned fixed meanings, and so too does this coin, prompting us to consider how meaning changes over time.