Shilling, noodmunt van Jacobus II, koning van Engeland, uit april 1690 1690 - 1694

This is a shilling, a coin of little value, made in April 1690 for Jacobus II, King of England. It's a humble object, yet it speaks volumes. On one side, we see the king's profile, adorned with the laurel wreath, a classical symbol of victory and status adopted by rulers since antiquity. Turn the coin, and you'll find a crown, scepter, and the value ‘XII’ for twelve pence, symbols of royal authority. But consider how the crown motif has journeyed through history, from the simple circlets of early rulers to the elaborate bejeweled forms we see here. It represents not just power, but also the weight of tradition, a visible manifestation of inherited authority. The act of placing a ruler's image on currency is powerful. It's a form of psychological imprinting, reminding the populace of the ruler's presence and legitimacy. Consider how these symbols persist and resurface, constantly evolving, constantly reminding us of the cyclical nature of power and its representation.