veertig stuiver, noodmunt uit Breda, geslagen tijdens het beleg door Spinola 1625

Curator: The Rijksmuseum holds this rather fascinating object: a "veertig stuiver," an emergency coin from Breda, minted during Spinola's siege in 1625. It's anonymous, yet speaks volumes. Editor: Well, first impressions... It's unsettling. The rough diamond shape, the bluntness of the metal. There's a stark functionality that eclipses any notion of artistry. Curator: Precisely! This wasn't meant to be beautiful, but functional. The siege meant traditional coinage was scarce, so they used what was available: base metals, crudely shaped. Look at the central image. Editor: The impression seems to be of a defiant lion, sword raised... the detailing, as much as there is, is overwhelmed by the object's coarse manufacture. Curator: It highlights the desperation and resilience of the city. The "forty stuivers" mark and Breda's emblems are there, legitimizing this object of necessity. Editor: Function determining form—it’s about communicating value, however diminished, at a crucial moment in that historical context. Curator: And that is the point here, that metal work represents far more than just money or decoration. It signifies political will and civic survival in the face of conflict. Editor: Right, I initially dismissed any artistic intention, yet the coin’s design contains such purpose. That makes this piece far more compelling to reflect on, knowing what drove its making. Curator: It does leave you thinking. An ordinary coin represents a town under pressure! Editor: It definitely reshapes your notion on coin work as mere transaction. I would encourage our listeners to see how the shape reflects the function when contemplating the pieces presented today.