Gelderse dukaat, 1595 1595

This gold Gelderse Dukaat was minted in 1595 by the province of Gelderland, now part of the Netherlands. Its imagery speaks volumes about the social and political climate of the time. The coin features a standing figure holding a bundle of arrows, symbolizing unity and strength. The inscription "Concordia res parvae crescunt" – "Through unity, small things grow" – underscores this message. The Dutch Republic was then fighting for independence from Spain. Coins like this weren't just currency; they were propaganda tools. They asserted sovereignty and promoted a sense of national identity. To fully understand this coin, we need to delve into the history of the Dutch Revolt, examining archival documents, political pamphlets, and economic treatises. This ducat reminds us that even the smallest objects can offer profound insights into the social and institutional forces that shape our world.