Aansporing tot eendracht 1588

This small copper coin, called "Aansporing tot eendracht," was made by Paulus van Wtewael. The coin's form is incredibly important; its circular shape and modest size speak to its function as an object of exchange. Minted using a die-stamping process, it embodies the burgeoning economic systems of its time. The images pressed into its surfaces – a team of oxen on one side and a ship on the other – are not merely decorative. The oxen symbolize collective strength and labor, essential to the agrarian economy, while the ship represents trade, a critical component of Dutch prosperity. The very act of minting these coins involved skilled labor, as each die had to be carefully engraved. The repetition involved in production also reflects the increasing standardization and efficiency that defined the era. As you consider this coin, remember that its small size belies its powerful connection to labor, politics, and the burgeoning world of trade. It’s a reminder that every object has a story to tell about its creation and its place in society.