Karel V, Duits keizer, rekenpenning van de raad van Financiën 1552

This is a German coin featuring Karel V, likely crafted from silver, though the precise date and maker remain unknown. The most striking symbol is the laurel wreath adorning Karel's head, a motif rooted in ancient Greece, where it signified victory and status. We find the laurel wreath across time, from depictions of Roman emperors to Renaissance portraits, each time imbued with notions of power and triumph. Turn the coin over and we see an eagle; a symbol of strength, courage, and immortality in many cultures, from the Roman Empire to its modern iterations. Consider the psychological weight of these symbols. These aren't just images, they're carefully chosen motifs designed to evoke feelings of respect, and perhaps even awe. Much like dreams that resurface from the depths of our subconscious, these symbols reappear throughout history, each time infused with new meaning, yet forever bound to their origins. The eagle and the laurel wreath; motifs which continue their non-linear progression throughout time.