Hollandse penning van Floris IV, 1222-1234 1222 - 1234

This is a silver Hollandse penning, minted between 1222 and 1234 under the authority of Floris IV, the Count of Holland. The creation of such a coin reflects not just economic activity, but also the solidification of power during the medieval period. Consider that for the vast majority of people at this time, a coin like this would be an alien object, as most trade would be bartered. To hold it might have meant proximity to power, or even a direct tie to it through taxation or trade. A medieval coin wasn't just currency; it was a political statement, a claim to authority stamped in precious metal. Minting this coin was an assertion of sovereignty in a fragmented world. It's a potent reminder of how even the smallest objects can carry the weight of history and power.