Filips de Schone, hertog van Bourgondie 1496 - 1508

This small coin, bearing the image of Filips de Schone, Duke of Burgundy, allows us to touch a moment in history. Though the artist is anonymous, this piece speaks volumes about the socio-political landscape of its time. In the late medieval period, symbols of power were carefully crafted and widely circulated. Coins, like this one, served not only as currency but also as propaganda, designed to reinforce the Duke’s authority and legitimacy. The imagery – likely a noble portrait and heraldic symbols – would have been instantly recognizable to the people, reminding them of the ruling elite’s power and lineage. The coin’s small size belies its significance. Consider its journey through countless hands, each transaction reinforcing the Duke’s influence. It is a quiet yet potent reminder of how identity, power, and art were intertwined in the daily lives of people. It bridges the gap between the grand narratives of history and the intimate experiences of those who lived it.