Besnijdenis van Benjamin van Lier te Utrecht 1843

This small silver coin, by L.J. de Beer, commemorates the circumcision of Benjamin van Lier in Utrecht. Though humble in scale, its materiality speaks volumes. The act of minting a coin involves a powerful convergence of material and symbolic value. Silver, with its inherent sheen and durability, has long been associated with currency and status. But here, the coin transcends mere economic function. It becomes a tangible record of a significant life event. The inscription, carefully impressed into the metal, marks a moment of religious and communal belonging. The imagery itself, likely achieved through die-striking, hints at the ceremony's solemnity. The chair depicted on one side evokes a sense of tradition and ritual, while the text on the other solidifies the event's place in family history. Consider the labor involved in producing this object: from the mining and refining of the silver, to the skilled craftsmanship of the die maker and minter. This coin is a testament to the power of objects to embody cultural meaning. It shows how craft and design can elevate everyday materials into lasting symbols.