Vroedschapspenning van de stad Dokkum 1782

Georg Wilhelm Vestner created this Vroedschapspenning van de stad Dokkum, or city council token of Dokkum, from silver. Its circular form and shallow depth offer a study in contrasts: one side features the Dokkum coat of arms, encircled by a Latin inscription, while the reverse is filled with closely packed text also in Latin. The token’s design employs a semiotic system to convey civic identity and historical narrative. The building signifies authority and permanence, while the celestial symbols – a star and crescent moon – add layers of cultural and historical context. The inscriptions, acting as both visual and textual elements, communicate the city’s foundational claims and historical milestones. The token's design elements function beyond mere decoration; they negotiate complex issues of historical memory and civic pride. Although small, the token is a dense intersection of symbolic representation and historical narrative, inviting ongoing interpretation.