Intocht van de geallieeerden in Parijs 1814 1814

This commemorative silver coin was crafted by Johann Thomas Stettner, likely around 1814, to mark the entry of allied forces into Paris. Coins like this one were made by die-striking. Hardened steel dies, engraved with the design, were hammered onto a metal blank. This process, while relatively mechanized, still demanded considerable skill from the die engraver, who had to work in reverse and at a very small scale. The material itself, silver, was often associated with currency and state power. But here, it also serves a commemorative function, solidifying a moment in time through meticulous craft. The coin depicts the allied forces marching through the Arc de Triomphe, a potent symbol of both military might and national pride. The other side shows the busts of leaders responsible for the victory over Napoleon. Considering the amount of work involved in the production process, it is clear that the coin’s value extends beyond its intrinsic material worth. It embodies a specific historical and political context, reflecting the shifting tides of power in Europe, and challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.