Overijsselse 1/5 philipsdaalder van Philips II, 1567 1567

This is an Overijsselse 1/5 philipsdaalder, made in 1567 under the authority of King Philip II of Spain. Its material is silver, likely mined and processed through extensive labor. Notice the careful impression of Philip's portrait and inscription. Coinage like this was produced using dies, hand-engraved steel punches struck against the metal. The creation of dies was a highly skilled craft, requiring precision and artistry. It’s interesting to consider how the portrait, duplicated on countless coins, projected an image of power, especially considering its reliance on the work of anonymous die-cutters. The coin’s small size belies its significance. As a medium of exchange, it facilitated trade and economic activity. Silver itself embodies labor, extracted from the earth and transformed into currency. This coin is a potent reminder that even the smallest objects can carry immense social and political weight. It challenges us to consider the intricate relationship between materials, making, and the broader forces of power and commerce.