Hollandse groot van Karel V, 1506-1555 1506 - 1520

This is a silver 'Hollandse groot' coin featuring Charles V, dating back to somewhere between 1506 and 1555. Charles V wasn't just an artist; he was Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain. As a ruler during the early modern period, Charles V was a central figure in the shaping of European identity. The very act of minting coins was a bold statement of sovereignty, a declaration of power cast in precious metal. The coin can be seen as a statement of identity during a time of immense cultural and political change. It serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined personal identity is with historical forces and power structures. In our contemporary moment, this coin invites us to reflect on our own relationship to power.