Hollandse penning van Floris V, 1256-1296 1256 - 1258

This small coin, or penning, was made in Holland during the reign of Floris V, sometime between 1256 and 1296. It is made of silver, and would have been produced by a skilled die cutter, who engraved the image in negative, and a coiner who struck the metal. Though modest in scale, this coin speaks volumes about the rise of a money economy. The very act of minting is a statement of authority, and this coin would have played a crucial role in facilitating trade and commerce. Note the wear and tear on the coin. This attests to its frequent handling and circulation. Think of all the transactions this coin might have been a part of – purchases of goods, payment for services, or even taxes levied by the Count himself. In its day, the production of coinage was as technically advanced as any other kind of art making. It brings up interesting questions about the relationship between craft, design, and the systems of power and labor that shape our world.