Twintig kreuzer, noodmunt uit Praag op naam van Maria Theresia, geslagen tijdens het beleg door de Pruisen 1757

This twenty kreuzer coin was made in Prague during the Prussian siege, bearing the name of Maria Theresa. It’s a small object, but dense with historical significance, made of simple metal, likely whatever was available at the time. The coin's material condition speaks volumes; it isn't pristine, but worn, reflecting its hurried production and the dire circumstances of its creation. Struck during a siege, it embodies resilience and resourcefulness. The crude die-striking process has rendered the images of Maria Theresa and the heraldic eagle somewhat indistinct, yet these remain legible. The coin's value as a historical artifact transcends its monetary worth. It tells a story of conflict, survival, and the ingenuity of people under pressure. Emergency currency like this blurs the line between functional object and historical document, illustrating how even the humblest of materials can carry profound meaning. It prompts us to consider the human stories embedded in everyday objects.