Huwelijk van Willem V met Wilhelmina Frederica Sophia van Pruisen te Berlijn 1767

This silver coin, crafted by Jan Willem Marme, commemorates the marriage of Willem V to Wilhelmina Frederica Sophia of Prussia in Berlin. The coin's imagery presents a fascinating interplay of symbols. Dominating the scene, a radiant all-seeing eye hovers above a column, flanked by a lion and an eagle. The eye, an age-old symbol of divine omniscience, gazes down upon the earthly union, suggesting a blessing from above. This motif has roots in ancient Egypt, appearing in the Eye of Horus, and it resurfaces throughout history in various religious and philosophical contexts, representing enlightenment, vigilance, and a connection to higher knowledge. The column symbolizes strength and stability, while the lion and eagle stand for courage and power, respectively. Together, these symbols invoke a sense of authority, endurance, and divine sanction. The choice and arrangement of these symbols speak to a deeper, perhaps subconscious, desire to legitimize and celebrate the union, invoking collective memories and cultural associations to imbue the event with layers of meaning and significance. They are not just images; they are carriers of cultural memory, continuously evolving and adapting across time.