Maria Theresia, Duits keizerin, penning geslagen door stad Doornik 1740 - 1780

Claude Duvivier created this silver coin, celebrating Maria Theresa, the Holy Roman Empress, in the city of Doornik. The coin’s imagery acts as a form of political communication, carefully crafted to convey power and legitimacy. On one side, we see a profile of Maria Theresa, her regal bearing emphasized by the intricate details of her hair and clothing. The inscription around her portrait reinforces her authority. Turn the coin over and you’ll see an image of a building, likely representing the city of Doornik itself, flanked by symbolic figures. This is not just a portrait of a ruler, but a statement about the relationship between the Empress and the city. Coins like this offer rich insights into the social and political dynamics of their time. By studying the symbols, inscriptions, and the historical context in which the coin was produced, we can better understand the complex interplay between power, representation, and civic identity in 18th-century Europe.