Vrije van Brugge, rekenpenning geslagen ter ere van Maria Theresia, Duits keizerin Possibly 1776 - 1780

This is a silver medal commemorating Maria Theresa, Holy Roman Empress, created by Dutch medalist Theodorus Victor van Berckel. The obverse depicts a profile portrait of Maria Theresa while the reverse features an allegorical scene with two figures flanking a shield. The figures represent the city of Bruges, with the abbreviation “S.P.O.E.” (Senatus Populusque Ostendensis) at the bottom. The medal, dated between 1776 and 1780, was most likely created to celebrate Maria Theresa's visit to Bruges. This small piece of art demonstrates a typical example of commemorative medals that were popular in the 18th century.