Beleg van Luxemburg door de Fransen, stuiver 1795

This stuiver, commemorating the French siege of Luxembourg, encapsulates power through its symbols. On one side, the crowned shield bearing a lion rampant. Lions appear in ancient heraldry, symbolizing courage, nobility, and royalty. This lion echoes those on medieval banners, emblems of feudal lords, yet here, stamped on a coin, it also reflects the wealth and dominion claimed by the besieging French forces. But let us trace the lion’s path, from the Ishtar Gate of Babylon to the thrones of Europe. This symbol transcends mere representation, tapping into a collective memory of strength and sovereignty. The very act of stamping this image onto currency reveals an attempt to imprint power not just economically but psychologically. This coin is a tool, embedding claims of authority into the subconscious of its users.