Roei-, steiger- en schuitenvoerdersgilde van Amsterdam, gildepenning van Verret de Boer, ligplaats Harlinger steiger 1648

This small, 3.5 cm diameter, bronze medal, created in 1648 by an anonymous artist, is a guild token depicting the "Roei-, steiger- en schuitenvoerdersgilde van Amsterdam," a guild of boatmen, stevedores, and ferrymen. One side of the medal features a ship sailing on the water, while the other side portrays a boatman with a bucket in his hand. The date "1648" is prominently displayed on the side with the ship, likely signifying the year of minting. These tokens were issued to guild members as a form of identification and a symbol of their membership. This piece offers insight into the role of guilds in 17th-century Dutch society and their importance in the city of Amsterdam, which was a major center for trade and maritime activity.