Verenigde Amsterdamse Compagnie, munt ter vervanging van de Spaanse 8 realen 1601

This coin, made by Jacob de Jonge, features a heraldic lion and the coat of arms of Amsterdam. The lion, a symbol of strength and courage since ancient times, appears on countless banners and shields, embodying the spirit of those who identify with it. Now, consider the Crosses of Saint Andrew on Amsterdam's coat of arms; these evoke not only the city's patron saint but also the historical depths where symbols acquire layers of meaning. Think of how similar crosses, or saltires, appear in various cultures, from religious iconography to national flags. The coin as a whole projects power, security, and civic pride, engaging viewers with an emotional charge that transcends its monetary value. This visual language, deeply rooted in our collective consciousness, reminds us that symbols persist, evolving through time, yet always carrying echoes of their past.