Pierre Josse d'Armstorff, magistraat van de schatkist van Brussel 1667

This coin represents Pierre Josse d'Armstorff, magistrate of the treasury of Brussels, and it is adorned with potent symbols of power and protection. The most striking of these is the figure of the Archangel Michael, sword raised high, a shield in the other. Michael, a symbol of divine power and justice, vanquisher of evil. This representation echoes the ancient Roman depictions of the god Mars, also shown with weapons in hand, embodying strength and authority. In a twist of fate, the Archangel Michael has evolved into a symbol of moral righteousness, leading celestial armies against the forces of darkness. Consider the emotional resonance of this image: the warrior angel, protector of the faithful, offering not only physical security but also spiritual reassurance. The presence of such a symbol on a coin suggests more than a simple endorsement of authority; it speaks to a deeper yearning for divine approval and protection in the face of worldly challenges. This coin is not merely currency, but a cultural artifact, reflecting the ongoing need for symbolic guardians in our collective psyche.