Nederlandse cent, 1883 1883

This is a one cent coin from the Netherlands, minted in 1883 during the reign of Willem III. It’s made of bronze, a humble material, though one with a long history of use for commemorative medals and currency. The coin’s design is simple: a crowned lion with a sword, encircled by the inscription "Koningrijk der Nederlanden". The date is at the bottom. But consider the immense social effort required to create even this small object. The mining and smelting of the metal. The skilled die-making and striking of the coins. The vast systems of finance and governance that it represents. The very idea of a ‘nation’ implied in its design. Coins like this one facilitated everyday transactions, connecting people through commerce. They are humble artifacts, but consider the deep history and complex systems of labor, trade, and authority they embody. By appreciating these material and historical dimensions, we can fully grasp the significance of objects like this one.