Hollandse kwart groot van Philips de Goede, 1428-1467 1434 - 1440

This is a silver "Hollandse kwart groot," made between 1428 and 1467 under the authority of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. Minted by striking, this coin’s small size belies its outsized importance as a facilitator of commerce and expression of political power. Consider the labor involved in its making. Silver had to be mined, refined, and alloyed. Then, skilled die-cutters would have painstakingly engraved the designs. The blank coin would have been placed between these dies, and a hammer-blow would impress the image into the metal. Look closely, and you can appreciate the material properties of the coin itself. The cool luster of the silver, the crispness of the inscription, and the satisfying heft in one’s hand. These qualities are crucial to its function, both practical and symbolic. This coin is a potent reminder that even the smallest objects can carry immense social and cultural significance. By attending to its materiality and manufacture, we gain a richer understanding of its place in history.