Munt van een halve rijksdaalder van Leicester, munt voor de provincie Holland 1586

This is a half rijksdaalder coin from the province of Holland. It was made by an anonymous artist. Observe the coin's circular form and the crisp, raised lettering and symbols. The surface is worn, bearing witness to its age and circulation. The formal composition balances text and image, with the bust of Leicester offset against heraldic symbols. The semiotic weight of this piece lies in its function as currency and representation. It signifies value and power. The effigy of Leicester and the coat of arms weren't merely decorative; they communicated authority and legitimacy. This coin, in its materiality and design, embodies the intricate relationship between art, economics, and politics. Consider how such an object encapsulates complex social structures and ideological statements within its compact form. It challenges us to see the deeper meanings embedded in everyday objects.